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Leak Capped, Homeowners Return

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 7, 2008

PLANT CITY About a half-dozen homeowners were allowed to return to their homes today about 90 minutes after they were evacuated due to a ruptured natural gas leak off Sammonds Road.
Central Florida Gas, the company that owns the line, was able to stop the flow of gas shortly after 3 p.m. About 1:30 p.m., A.W. Moore, who owns a dirt, shell, rock and sand storage yard, hit the six-inch line, leaving it bent and ruptured, authorities said.
Homes were evacuated from about the 1700 block of Sammonds east to Alexander Street, Plant City Fire Rescue Capt. Stacy Stearns said.
Barbara Greenway, who lives nearby at 1607 W. Washington St., said she heard a large noise and called authorities. She said she noticed a strong smell of gas.
Frank Powell, who has an auto service shop nearby, said he saw a man using heavy equipment hit the line. The operator backed the vehicle away from the line before he ran away, Powell said.

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