Sheriff

East Texas Natural Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation

Emergency personnel are monitoring a natural gas leak in East Texas that's prompted the evacuation of nearby homes.

Orange County sheriff's Chief Deputy Clint Hodgkinson said Thursday that water is constantly being sprayed on the site in Orangefield to ensure a spark will not ignite the gas. He says it's unclear when the leak will be plugged or when residents of more than 15 homes in the area will be allowed to return. He says residents could be kept away for several days.

No injuries have been reported.

Workers at the oil well site struck a natural gas pocket Wednesday morning, sending gas, sand and water spewing from the ground. He did not know which company owns the site.

Orangefield is about 15 miles east of Beaumont.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us