Gas leak shuts down chunk of Coast Village Road for multiple hours

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A gas leak found along Coast Village Road in Santa Barbara on Thursday morning shut down a good portion of the street for several hours, and crews are yet to have an estimated time of reopening, according to the Santa Barbara City Fire Department.

The gas leak was reported just before 9 a.m., and Coast Village Road from Butterfly Lane to Olive Mill Road was shut down by 9:30 a.m., according to Battalion Chief Jim McCoy.

Traffic is currently being diverted to Coast Village Circle, he added.

McCoy said that about a 3/4-inch line was under pressure, and the fire department pulled a hose line for protection and started monitoring the businesses in the area before handing the situation to Southern California Gas.

SoCal Gas officials said that there is not yet an estimated time of reopening.

Fire crews will continue to stay on scene to monitor the businesses, he added.

SoCal Gas said the leak was caused by a contractor working in the area. It impacted one building, but there were no injuries reported, according to SoCal Gas officials.

Crews remain working to safely repair the leak, and the road will remain closed until the repairs are finished, SoCal Gas officials said.

Residents in the area may smell gas during the work.