Commuters in east Austin faced an unexpected disruption this morning as a vehicle crash near Springdale Road resulted in both directions of East Seventh Street being closed off. The collision, which involved a gas line at the intersection of East Seventh and Gunter Street, was first reported by the Austin Police Department at 8:46 a.m., according to KXAN.
Responding to the incident, the Austin Fire Department confirmed over the phone that the area was indeed experiencing a gas leak, KXAN reports. While not being immediately clear if evacuations had to be conducted, the police have advised the public to avoid the affected region, hinting at the potential for significant delays.
#ATXtraffic APD officers are assisting with a collision involving a gas line at E 7th St and Gunter St. 7th St is closed in both directions. Please avoid the area, expect delays and find alternate routes.
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) July 16, 2024
In keeping with the urgency of the situation, the Austin Police Department urged drivers to seek alternate routes, emphasizing the need for caution around the congested and potentially hazardous site. Assisted where a gas line crash had the Austin Police Department, they announced the road closures via social media a minute before at 8:45 a.m., as CBS Austin details.
While the focus remains on securing the scene and managing the aftermath in a swift and safe manner, the impact of the crash and subsequent road closure on the day's traffic flows is yet to be fully assessed. "They are advising people to avoid the area," says CBS Austin, capturing the sentiment of the Austin Police Department's message to the public. What remains to be seen is selected the detours drivers and how they impacted the broader traffic throughout east Austin.
