An early-morning natural gas leak forced a nearly seven-hour evacuation for about 75 people from as many 30 homes Thursday in an unincorporated area near Whittier.
The leak was reported around 1:30 a.m. and residents in the 7500 block of Vicki Drive and Coolhurst Drive were evacuated. Sheriff’s deputies and neighbors went door-to-door to ensure people were brought out of their homes.
Representatives from Southern California Gas Co. responded to the area along with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to determine the cause of the leak. Fire officials said about 24 to 32 homes were evacuated. The Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Phelan Language Academy, 7150 Culley Ave.
No injuries were reported.
SoCalGas had the leak capped by about 8 a.m., and residents were allowed to return to their homes. Repair work was continuing on the 3-inch gas line that ruptured.
An investigation into the cause of the leak was continuing.