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SALT LAKE CITY — One business was evacuated and a portion of California Avenue was closed Wednesday afternoon because of a gas leak, authorities said.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department tweeted about 2:40 p.m. that a gas leak was reported at 3295 W. California Ave. and the closure was affecting two blocks east of the location.
By 5 p.m., workers had been allowed to get back into the business that was evacuated, and traffic was moving normally in the area, Salt Lake Fire Capt. Adam Archuleta said.
Some construction workers were installing fiber optics cable in front of Polymershapes in the area when one of the workers hit a 4-inch gas line, according to Archuleta.
Because of the pressure in the line and muddy conditions, mud was shooting 20 feet into the air after the gas line was hit, Archuleta added.
The workers were aware that there was a gas line in the area, Archuleta said. However, due to the circumstances in the area, and gas lines being buried, it can be difficult to gauge exactly where lines are located, he said.
