Broken Gas Line Catches Fire In Bethel Park, Worker Injured

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BETHEL PARK, Pa. (KDKA) --- A broken gas line caught fire early Wednesday morning in Bethel Park.

Officials said a contractor struck the line around 2 a.m. and the gas ignited. A worker was injured and taken to a hospital. The contractor was working on a water line.

"No update on the worker other than he was transported at Mercy Hospital," Bethel Park Deputy Fire Chief Bob Brown said.

The fire burned for approximately two hours. A spokesperson for Columbia Gas said its crew shut off the gas at 4:05 a.m. and the fire went out at 4:08 a.m.

"It was taking time for the gas company to find out which valves to shut off to be able to isolate the leak," Bethel Park Emergency Management Coordinator John Kuchma said.

Columbia Gas was assessing the damage to the line. The spokesperson could not offer an estimate for how long it would take to complete repairs. Service for some Columbia Gas customers was affected, but an exact number was not immediately available.

Bethel Park Emergency Management Coordinator John Kuchma said one home was evacuated as the fire was burning, but residents were allowed to return by 5 a.m.

Officials said the residents on Timberidge Drive were asked to shelter in place after the fire started. By 5:45 a.m., all residents were permitted to come and go from their homes as they pleased.

Gasline fire on Clifton Rd in Bethel Park. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/bztXWcVO2n

— Brian Smithmyer (@SmithmyerPhotog) October 3, 2018