Gas Line Break Triggers Evacuation, Traffic Jam

Several businesses were evacuated and traffic was jammed, but no one was injured Wednesday when construction workers accidentally damaged a gas line, authorities said.

Workers were drilling at Katella Avenue and Haster Street about 2 p.m. when they punctured a 4-inch gas pipe, Anaheim Fire Capt. Tabby Cato said.

Authorities evacuated employees at four nearby businesses and closed the intersection until 3:30 p.m. while gas company employees repaired the damaged pipe, Cato said.

The California Highway Patrol also closed the Katella offramp of the Santa Ana Freeway until about 5 p.m., and Haster remained closed while repairs continued, officials said.