Gas leak in Solvang prompts evacuations, others sheltered in place

–UPDATE–

Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni says after further investigation, only about 12 people in the neighborhood were evacuated and the New Frontiers grocery store was not affected.

INITIAL INFORMATION

Several people were evacuated from their homes and businesses after a gas line ruptured in Solvang.

Firefighters with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Old Mission Drive at about 10:17 a.m. Wednesday for a reported gas leak.

Between the two agencies, about 30 people were evacuated with approximately 25 more told to shelter in place, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni. No injuries were reported.

Zaniboni explained that some construction workers working near the New Frontiers grocery store struck an underground gas main breaking it in the process.

SoCalGas was informed of the incident and sent a crew to the scene to shut off the gas and are currently working to repair the damaged gas line.

No further details were immediately available.