Natural gas leak prompts evacuations in Lake Balboa neighborhood

LAKE BALBOA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An underground gas leak on Thursday morning prompted the evacuation of a surrounding neighborhood in Lake Balboa, authorities said.

A high-pressure natural gas line was apparently ruptured by utility workers about 10 a.m. in the 17600 block of West Saticoy Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or fire.

Aerial video from AIR7 HD showed a mixture of gas and dust rising from an open trench at the intersection of Saticoy Street and White Oak Avenue.

There were a total of 25 homes and businesses and one house of worship that were evacuated during the leak out of an abundance of caution, the LAFD said.

The fire department said SoCalGas crews stopped the leak three hours and 10 minutes after it was first reported. The fumes dissipated and no fires or injuries were reported.