By Alex Hinojosa
The El Paso Times
EL PASO, Texas — Residents of a Lower Valley apartment complex were evacuated Saturday after a 5-inch gas line broke at 7800 Gateway East.
El Paso Fire Department officials evacuated about 150 people from the area and took them to the El Paso convention center for their safety.
Sun Metro buses provided transportation to the Downtown center.
The rupture occurred about 6 a.m., Fire Department officials said.
The broken gas line created a 15-inch crater around the break and blew dirt around the area.
About 60 firefighters responded and wet the area down to prevent an electrical spark, Fire Department spokesman and Battalion Chief Sam Pe?a said.
Texas Gas Co. workers were able to isolate the line and stop the leak without disruption of service to Del Sol Medical Center or nearby residential areas.
It was unknown what caused the break, officials of the gas company said.
No injuries were reported, and residents were able to return to their homes late Saturday.
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