A gas leak in San Marcos' Trace neighborhood prompted evacuation orders and concern among residents on Thursday, authorities reported. According to CBS Austin, the leak was the result of a contractor striking a gas line during construction activities. Officials urged residents to evacuate on foot, especially those living on Snowbell Street, Merriman Road, Jane Long Drive, Paul Pena Drive, and Netherland Street.
Instructed to avoid ignition sources such as vehicles, electrical switches, or any open flames, residents received door-to-door assistance from the San Marcos Fire Department, which announced the evacuation notice. KXAN reported that CenterPoint Energy had shut off the gas by 11:30 a.m., following which the city declared it safe for the evacuated residents to return home.
During the incident, the city also provided guidance for residents as they returned to their homes. The advice was practical, directing those affected to ventilate their homes by opening windows and doors and to be vigilant for the smell of natural gas, which should prompt an immediate call to 911. The temporary safety measures were a reminder of the delicate infrastructures that underpin our daily lives.
Residents found a temporary refuge at the Trace Amenity Center, which is located at 201 Rollingwood Drive, while teams from CenterPoint Energy worked to resolve the issue. The City of San Marcos kept the public informed through updates on their Facebook page, ensuring that the individuals impacted by the gas leak had access to timely and accurate information about when and how it was safe to return to their homes, getting their lives back to normal following the morning’s disruptions.
