PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — Emergency crews responded late Tuesday morning after an excavator struck a gas line in Martin County, which prompted evacuations and road closures as firefighters worked to secure the area.
Martin County Fire Rescue said the incident occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m. near 3030 SW Martin Downs Blvd, in the commercial corridor that includes Chase Bank, Starbucks, and Manero’s Restaurant. The damage caused a significant gas leak, sending first responders rushing to the scene.
On March 17, 2026, Martin County Fire Rescue evacuated several businesses in Palm City after an excavator struck a gas line near 3030 SW Martin Downs Boulevard, causing a significant leak that prompted road closures and an emergency response. (MCFR)
As a precaution, all three nearby businesses were evacuated while firefighters established a safety perimeter. MCFR said portions of High Meadows Avenue were also shut down, and drivers were urged to avoid the area to allow emergency workers room to operate.
In an update, MCFR said that the evacuation order was canceled following the gas leak, but officials are still asking the public to avoid the area until further notice.
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TECO Gas crews were called in and were en route to clamp the broken line and stop the leak. MCFR also issued an IPAWS emergency alert, which was pushed to mobile devices in the surrounding area to notify residents of the hazard and ongoing closures.
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No injuries were immediately reported, and officials did not announce an estimated time for when the area would reopen. Fire Rescue urged the public to steer clear of the scene until the leak is fully secured and crews clear the roadway.