A major natural gas line leak forced the evacuation of several businesses, a daycare, and a medical office in downtown Cleveland on Thursday, Jan. 30, after a company installing a fiber optics line severed a natural gas pipeline.
The incident occurred in the 100 block of Crockett Street, prompting immediate response from local emergency personnel. As a safety precaution, Southside Bank, ECR Medical Building, and multiple downtown businesses were evacuated. Children from the affected daycare were relocated to Austin Memorial Library to ensure their safety.
By early afternoon, CenterPoint Energy crews had successfully capped the leak. The company issued a statement confirming the cause of the incident and detailing their response efforts.
“This morning, a third-party unrelated to CenterPoint Energy caused damage to one of our natural gas pipelines in Cleveland, Texas. Out of an abundance of caution, the Cleveland Fire Department evacuated nearby businesses as CenterPoint worked closely with local authorities to make the area safe and stop the flow of natural gas. Gas was turned off at approximately 1:15 p.m., and crews are currently onsite working to complete repairs safely and as quickly as possible,” CenterPoint stated.
Emphasizing the importance of safety, the company urged residents to remain vigilant for the smell of natural gas, which is often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur.
They advised anyone who detects a leak to leave the area immediately and avoid activities that could create a spark, such as turning lights on or off, using a phone, or operating electronic devices. Residents are instructed to call 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 888-876-5786 if they suspect a gas leak.
No injuries were reported in the incident.