Approximately seven to 10 homes were evacuated Friday afternoon after an underground natural gas line was struck in the 200 block of Cedar Grove Drive near Natchitoches.
Shortly after 3 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 6 responded to the scene after being dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center.
Deputies learned a private property owner was bush-hogging in the area when the equipment accidentally struck the underground natural gas line.
As a precaution, members of Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 6 and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted door-to-door notifications, asking residents in approximately seven to 10 homes to evacuate until the scene could be secured and the gas supply shut off.
Atmos Energy was notified and responded to repair the damaged gas line. The Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit and the Natchitoches Hazardous Materials Team were also notified and responded to assist.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the gas had been shut off by Atmos Energy, and repair crews were working to fix the damaged line.
Residents were urged to avoid the area and follow the instructions of emergency personnel until the incident was resolved and the area declared safe.
No injuries were reported.
Lt. B. Remo and Deputy J. Watson responded on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.