Crews have capped a gas leak at a construction site in Hollywood that led to the closure of the Florida Turnpike, as well as evacuations in a nearby residential neighborhood.
7Skyforce hovered above the ruptured natural gas line just to the east of the highway and north of Hollywood Boulevard, just after noon on Friday.
Construction workers were in the process of putting a large barrier wall when an excavator cut the line near Northwest 62nd Avenue and Arthur Street.
“Upon arrival, crews learned of an active gas leak that was hit by an excavator during construction,” said Hollywood Fire Rescue spokesperson Chai Kauffman.
Surveillance video captured a close up view of gas spewing from the ruptured pipe.
“The pressure of the gas was so extensive that it was not only blowing dirt and dust toward the houses, it’s also blowing dirt and dust toward the cars driving on the Turnpike. That hole was also created by the pressure of the gas,” said Hollywood Fire Rescue Chief Jeffrey Levy.
Roughly a two-block area was evacuated, including an assisted living facility. No injuries have been reported.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers shut down the Turnpike in both directions from Griffin Road to Sunrise Boulevard. Northbound traffic was diverted at Hollywood Boulevard, and southbound traffic was diverted at Griffin Road. Just after 1:30 p.m., the highway reopen to traffic soon.
All those residents who were told to evacuate have since returned to their homes after crews assessed the area.
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