Gas Leak Near School Causes Scare

A natural gas leak near the corner of Milam and Jackson Streets in La Grange forced residents in the area to temporarily evacuate their homes Monday afternoon, April 12.

A contract crew working for Centerpoint Energy caused the leak shortly after 2 p.m. when they struck a four-inch low pressure gas line while digging with an excavator. The incident unfolded as parents began lining up to pick up their children from nearby La Grange Elementary School.

La Grange I.S.D rerouted the pickup location from Jackson Street to Milam Street. La Grange Fire Chief Frank Menefee said firefighters used an air quality monitor and determined the pickup location at Milam Street was safe for students, staff and parents.

“The wind was blowing out of the east to southeast, and that helped disperse it somewhat,” Menefee said.

The strong odor of natural gas could be smelled as far away as the west side of the courthouse.

Menefee said Centerpoint personnel arrived about 30 minutes after the initial report and began plugging the leak. They finished by around 4 p.m.