A quiet Orangevale neighborhood turned into an active emergency scene Tuesday afternoon when a woman was found dead inside a home where a major gas leak triggered evacuations and road closures. The response began around 2 p.m., after residents on the 7800 block of Mountain Avenue reported a strong smell of gas. The Sacramento County coroner was called to the house, and officials say they are now working to determine exactly how and why the woman died.
Emergency crews on Mountain Avenue
Deputies and firefighters quickly moved in, sealing off the neighborhood and evacuating nearby homes while they checked for danger. The leak was eventually contained and residents were later allowed to return, according to KCRA. Utility crews from PG&E responded to the property, shutting off the gas at the meter as emergency personnel ventilated the house, the station reported.
Road closures and coroner response
As crews worked the scene, Mountain Avenue was closed between Cherry and Golden Gate avenues and authorities urged drivers and pedestrians to steer clear of the area, according to CBS Sacramento. Inside the home where the leak originated, deputies discovered an adult female. Investigators remained on site for hours while they waited for the Sacramento County coroner to determine the cause and manner of death.
Investigation ongoing
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office says the cause of the gas leak is still unknown and the case remains under active investigation, as reported by FOX40. Deputies stayed in the area while crews completed safety checks, and officials continued to ask neighbors to avoid the immediate vicinity until investigators wrap up their work.
What neighbors should know
Officials have not yet released the woman's identity and are urging the public to be patient while the coroner completes its examination, according to KCRA. We will update this post when authorities release additional information.
