Residents evacuated after Halifax natural gas pipeline burst

Some Halifax residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes after a mini-excavator damaged a natural gas pipeline in Halifax on Wednesday evening.

The rupture occurred at a home on Sherwood Street in the western part of Halifax, said Chris MacAulay, vice president of operations for Eastward Energy. MacAulay said Halifax Regional Police contacted the company about the leak around 6 p.m.

He said the leak was plugged about an hour later. Several fire trucks arrived at the scene while police closed the street. Firefighters evacuated residents of nearby homes. The street was reopened and people were allowed to go home around 7:45 p.m

The location of the gas line was not marked before excavation began. Homeowners and contractors are required by law to obtain a conduit prior to excavation.

The company is investigating the incident. MacAulay could not say whether the excavator was operated by the homeowner or contractor. A report will be submitted to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

The company says most of the damaged pipes are the result of contractors not asking for the location of the gas line before construction began.