A routine afternoon at the La Tijera post office in Hyde Park turned tense on Thursday when a gas line was struck near the building at 5472 S. Crenshaw Blvd, triggering a hazardous-materials response and leaving roughly 20 people reporting they felt ill. Emergency crews quickly sealed off the area while medics and hazmat teams evaluated those affected and inspected nearby construction for any damage.
According to LAFD, the call was logged as incident number 0994 at 1:26 p.m. The department said the people who fell ill were inside a postal facility next to a construction site where a gas line was reportedly struck. South Bureau units, along with multiple hazmat teams, engine companies and rescue crews, responded as officials described the situation as still evolving in real time. The alert also listed a public information contact, Jennifer Middleton, for follow-up.
Where It Happened
The address at 5472 S. Crenshaw Blvd is home to the La Tijera (Dixon) post office, according to the U.S. Postal Service. LAFD reported that a construction site adjacent to the building was involved in the incident.
Cause and Injuries
Officials said the gas line was reportedly hit during activity near the post office, and about 20 people soon reported symptoms that included dizziness and respiratory complaints. Medics treated several people at the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the conditions of anyone taken for further medical care and emphasized that evaluations were still underway.
Response and Safety Measures
Hazmat squads, fire engines and rescue ambulances moved in to secure the perimeter, check air quality and provide medical aid as needed. Utility crews were expected to be brought in to shut down and repair the damaged gas line while investigators work to sort out how the strike happened and who may be responsible.
How to Stay Safe
If you notice the smell of gas or hear a hissing sound, you should leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe distance, then report the possible leak to Southern California Gas at 1-800-427-2200, SoCalGas advises. Do not flip light switches, use phones or create any sparks near a suspected leak, and wait for utility and emergency crews to declare the scene safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation and that more details will be released as they are confirmed. Residents are urged to keep an eye on official city and emergency channels for updates.
