FORT WORTH -- Several blocks of downtown Fort Worth have been evacuated due to a gas leak, and rush hour will be affected.
Just before 11 a.m. Friday, the line was cut by a contractor digging at 200 East Pecan Street, near Belknap, causing flames to shoot from the top of a utility pole.
The fire department evacuated people on the northeast side of downtown Fort Worth, and power was shut off by Oncor for at least 700 customers.
Atmos crews have been on the scene all day trying to repair the line. Once it's fixed, power will be restored to customers, the FWFD says, although some may not have power until later Friday evening.
A shelter has been set up at the Tarrant County Public Health at 1101 South Main Street.
There have been no injuries reported, and no structures have been damaged.
At about 1:20 p.m., police said the ramps from East Belknap to SH 121 would be closed while they investigate. Commerce Street has been changed into a two-way road to help handle traffic.
Due to a gas leak on 1st and N Grove the entry ramps from E Belknap and Hwy 121 into downtown will be shutdown. Please seek alternate route pic.twitter.com/msN6OUTGXt
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) March 24, 2017
Beware: Several blocks without power downtown due to gas leak. Use caution and beware of possible delays.#police pic.twitter.com/1xBaQuS1TC
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) March 24, 2017
Several evacuations due to possible gas leak downtown. Use caution in the area of Pecan and Belknap. pic.twitter.com/5TP3mOTIaU
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) March 24, 2017
.@ArlingtonTxFire staffing @FortWorthFire Station 2 while they work a gas leak downtown. Proud to support our brothers and sisters pic.twitter.com/Qdqu4ghPMO
— Arlington Fire Dept. (@ArlingtonTxFire) March 24, 2017