Ruptured Gas Line at USC Campus Injures Worker

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - On Friday, May 4th, 2012, an independent construction firm employee suffered minor burns after a one-inch gas line broke and ignited outside the track stadium at USC.

Image courtesy KTLA-TV. Used with permission.

Just before 8 a.m. Firefighters arrived to 3470 South McClintock Avenue, to find a continuous flame erupting from the ground, over 10 feet in the air between Katherine B. Loker Stadium and Cromwell Field on the North end of USC campus.

A total of 27 firefighters, including LAFD's Hazardous material team, quickly surrounded the area, evacuated nearby individuals as a precaution, and strategically sprayed hose-lines, creating a “water curtain” around the perpetual flame to protect the nearby brick stadium wall.

Battalion Chief Mathis instituted a Unified Command, and worked in concert with Southern California Gas repair crews, and USC Public Safety teams. Gas to the broken line, which feeds the track stadium, was successfully shut off around 9:30 a.m.

One adult male, a construction worker who reportedly broke the line, was treated at the scene for minor burns but was not transported to a hospital.

The LAFD along with the Southern California Gas Company remind you that whether you’re planning to build a major development or just landscaping your yard, protect your safety and the safety of those around you by calling Underground Service Alert at 8-1-1, at least two business days prior to excavating.

Dispatched Units: E215 E15 T15 BC11 SQ21 RA15 RA13 DC1 E13

(VIDEO)


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

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