Gas leak forces evacuation in southwest valley

By Cristina Chang

Published Monday, Sept. 10, 2012 | 3:38 p.m.

Updated Monday, Sept. 10, 2012 | 4:30 p.m.

A gas leak in a residential area has forced evacuation from at least 10 apartment buildings in the southwest valley.

Clark County spokesman Dan Kulin said firefighters received a call about 1:32 p.m. of a gas leak in the 5300 block of Del Gado Drive, near South Decatur Road and West Flamingo Drive, and began the evacuation.

About 4 p.m., Kulin said about 40 people were being kept from returning to their apartments, and officials expected the number to increase as people returned home from work.

Southwest Gas spokeswoman Cynthia Messina said the leak was reported at a fourplex at 5304 Del Gado.

The area has been cordoned off while Southwest Gas personnel are on scene to repair the leak, Messina said. Gas to the area was turned off and a specially trained crew was digging up pipes where the leak was believed to have originated.

Two Clark County School District buses are providing evacuees with an air-conditioned place to wait, Kulin said. The American Red Cross is assisting with food and beverages. It was not apparent when evacuated residents would be allowed to return to their homes.

Residents in the area of Del Gado Drive, South Edmond Street and Solteros Street who were not evacuated were advised to stay indoors.

In the event of a gas leak, Messina advises people to call 911 and report it to the gas company. She also recommends that people avoid opening windows, hitting switches or engaging in other actions that might created a spark during a leak.