Update: SW Othello reopened after closure for gas-pipe break

ORIGINAL 2:05 PM REPORT: On our way to check out a report that some people might have had to leave their homes while authorities deal with a natural-gas leak at Othello/Vashon (map), just north of Solstice and Lincoln Parks. SW Othello is closed for much of the stretch between California and Fauntleroy. 2:16 PM: We’re at the scene – Fire Department’s still here, Puget Sound Energy has just arrived. Still working to find out exactly what happened; no indication of injuries. Just added a photo looking east toward the scene from across Fauntleroy. 2:26 PM: SFD says it’s a broken 2-inch pipe but otherwise, their crews are there as a “standard gas-leak response.” Media is not being allowed close enough for us to find out anything else, but there’s no indication this is affecting any more than a small area in this residential neighborhood. We’ll be checking back. 3:28 PM: Road still closed, new photo:

No new info at the scene but commenters below are shining some light from within the zone. 5:50 PM UPDATE: As we noted in comments, the street is open again. Puget Sound Energy confirms the break was caused by a contractor working at the scene and it only affected the service at the home where the work was being done.

10 Replies to "Update: SW Othello reopened after closure for gas-pipe break"

  • Que June 21, 2010 (2:19 pm)

    At this point, classes at Gatewood are unaffected.

    • WSB June 21, 2010 (2:34 pm)

      Thanks – when Patrick was en route he said things looked fairly normal. Doesn’t appear to be a HUGE deal but with a road closed etc. you never know. My next call is to try to track down PSE media relations to see if they have any additional info – TR

  • LP June 21, 2010 (2:48 pm)

    The yellow utilities truck shown in the photo was drilling holes in the ground for new telephone poles earlier today…perhaps they accidentally hit a line?

  • Mike June 21, 2010 (3:13 pm)

    One-call is free. 811

  • ShawnT June 21, 2010 (3:16 pm)

    I live at 45th and Othello they cleared out a number of houses but I didn’t hear the knock due to I-pod and bathroom cleaning.. they said I can stay but wont let any of us start our cars…. so there ya go….they ‘ve been remodeling a house and that is probably what hit the line. a private contractor was doing the jack hammering.

  • Joyce June 21, 2010 (3:21 pm)

    The gas odor at 44th and Othello is excessively strong.

  • GW June 21, 2010 (3:34 pm)

    Hey neighbors! Will you kindly let us know as soon as the police blockade moves? We are some of the evacuees and want to get home as soon as we can. Thanks WSB for being on top of this!

    • WSB June 21, 2010 (4:23 pm)

      We are out so I may not be able to add to main story immed: Streets are open again.

  • concerned taxpayer June 21, 2010 (9:23 pm)

    So glad this is resolved or appears to be resolved.
    I am curious. Who pays for this? The taxpayer? – probably!

  • Cleo June 21, 2010 (10:38 pm)

    Spoke with The person assigned to replace a telephone pole. Were told the untility locator marks were in the wrong spot. Digging was well away from the mark when the gas line was. Alaso, the line was not burined as deep as it should have been. The odor was very strong and the sound of the leak was quite loud from where we were in the house.

Sorry, comment time is over.