With gas shut off and repairs underway, drivers can expect one lane alternating of traffic to reopen imminently on Esquimalt Road after a line was hit Thursday (June 12)
Neighbouring residences and staff and students at Ecole Victor Brodeur were asked to shelter in place after an excavator hit a gas line in the 800-block of Esquimalt Road.
FortisBC capped the leak and embarked on repairs with Esquimalt Fire Rescue remaining on scene for safety and ventilation, said Acting Fire Chief Neal Widdifield.
Facing an unknown timeline for reopening, shops in the area closed for the afternoon.
FortisBC thanked residents for their patience as our crews work to complete the necessary repairs.
"Public and employee safety is the No. 1 priority for FortisBC," the utilities company said in a statement to Victoria News. "We would also like to remind the public that the majority of damages to our gas system are preventable – always contact BC 1 Call before digging to gather information on the location of buried gas lines and other utilities. Approximately 90 per cent of damages to our gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices."
The township alerted residents shortly before 1 p.m. of the road closure between Head Street and Dunsmuir Road. Esquimalt Fire Rescue expected to have some traffic moving by 2 p.m.
