A natural gas leak at a construction site in Hollywood has closed the Florida Turnpike and forced evacuations in a nearby residential neighborhood. The incident was reported just after noon Friday.
Construction workers were installing a large barrier wall when they cut a natural gas line just east of the highway and north of Hollywood Boulevard, according to WSVN’s aerial crew, which flew over the rupture. The footage showed the damaged line from above.
Roughly two blocks are being evacuated, including an assisted living facility. No injuries have been reported.
Authorities closed all northbound lanes of the Turnpike and were working to close the southbound lanes as well. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Hollywood Boulevard. Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
The source report did not say when the lanes would reopen or when evacuees could return home. Check WSVN.com for updates as the situation develops.
