San Diego
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A trenching device used by a private contractor ruptured a natural gas main near 25th and B streets in Golden Hill Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of 200 people.
San Diego Gas & Electric spokesman Tom Murnane said a trench digger owned by the Sim J. Harris Co. hit a three-inch natural gas main on the east side of 25th Street. The firm was preparing the ground for telephone cables, Murnane said, adding that there were no power outages as a result of the break.
“We have two main gas lines in that area and when there are problems with one, the other can take the load,” he said.
Fire department spokesman Lary Stewart said about 50 businesses and residences in the area were evacuated after the 1:20 p.m. accident. Stewart said SDG&E; crews “pinched off” the break and residents and business owners were allowed to return at 2:35 p.m.
A four-block area near the main break was closed to traffic for two hours, Stewart said. Sim J. Harris Co. officials declined to comment.
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