Ruptured Gas Line Prompts Evacuations in Industrial Area

A gas pipe spewing benzene, methane and hexane forced some employees to evacuate their office in Ventura and others to remain inside Wednesday, the county Fire Department said.

A tractor from Valley Crest Construction Co. in Goleta ruptured a 2- to 3-inch natural gas line at Avera Petroleum Co. about 11 a.m. in the 3800 block of Ventura Avenue.

Firefighters were dispatched to maintain a water “curtain” while employees from Avera shut down the leak.

The leak was contained at 12:50 p.m.

The building was evacuated, and employees and residents of structures downwind were asked to stay inside while firefighters handled the leak.

No roads were closed.