Gas Line Break In Lafayette Shuts Down Traffic On Mt. Diablo Blvd.

A ruptured gas line in front of building at 3583 Mt. Diablo Blvd. resulted in evacuations and redirection of hundreds of drivers hoping to make their way across town Thursday.

County Fire spokesman Lewis Broschard said the 3/4" line was reported severed at 11:27 a.m. and "precautionary measures" immediately went into effect.

"We're not exactly sure how it was broken, usually it's while some construction is being done," he said. "At this point we're more interested in getting it fixed."

A P.G.&E crew arrived at the scene at 12:15 p.m., according to Broschard, and a ConFire fire engine remained on the scene through the course of the event as a precaution.

At 1:05 p.m., Broschard estimated the stretch of Mt. Diablo Blvd. between Lafayette Circle and Oak Hill Road would remain closed for another two hours until the break could be repaired.