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UPDATE: Evacuations lifted after major gas leak in Newbury Park (MAP)
Workers respond to a gas leak that prompted evacuations in Newbury Park on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
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NBC Los Angeles
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Update 3:48 p.m.: A major gas leak in Newbury Park has been secured and all evacuations lifted, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
The gas company found a 10-inch gas distribution line that had ruptured underground. The line was secured by 1:30 p.m. and roads were opened except where repairs were being made, according to the Department.
Workers from the gas company workers took over and fire units were released.
Update 1:02 p.m.: Evacuations were ordered Wednesday morning after a major gas leak was reported in Newbury Park, the Ventura County Star reports. Portions of the 101 Freeway were set to be shut down due to the leak, according to the Ventura County Fire Department, but the shutdown was called off and it was never shut down, according to the Department and the California Highway Patrol.
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Residents were being evacuated for half a mile in all directions, according to the Department.
"Our main concern is isolating the area from any potential ignition source," Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Mike Lindberry told NBC Los Angeles. "We have quite a bit of gas product coming out of that line right now." He said that officials were trying to determine where to turn off the flow of gas.
Two hazardous material units responded in front of a dive bar named Akrey's Tavern, NBC L.A. reports, which had also apparently closed recently.
Ten people were evacuated, according to the Department, with a temporary shelter at a La Quinta Inn, but most residents were being asked to remain indoors and shelter in place. Hazmat units were sent to the scene, along with the gas company.
It was reported shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to the Star, with winds likely pushing the gas smell toward the freeway and nearby mobile homes, according to Lindberry.
Lindberry also told the Star that Newbury Road had been shut down a quarter mile in each direction.
A map of the location of the leak, from the Ventura County Star:
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View Gas leak in Newbury Park in a larger map
Correction: An early version of this story said that the 101 Freeway was shut down; it was initially scheduled to be shut down, but wasn't.
This story has been updated.
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