Gas leak forces evacuations, closure of highway

TEXAS CITY, TX It happened when a pipeline ruptured, spilling an estimated 250,000 gallons of gasoline onto the ground and into Bayou Pierre. The spill forced parts of Highway 146 and Loop 197 to be closed for several hours, but they have since reopened.

About 30 homes were evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately, there was no fire, and no one was hurt.

There will be an investigation as to why this happened. A representative of the company, Mangelin, was at the scene to say they don't know yet what caused the rupture. They are removing that section of pipeline. The pipeline has been shut down in this area.