The Township of Esquimalt issued an advisory to shelter in place to some residents in the areas of Admirals and Esquimalt Roads after a gas main was struck during construction around 12 p.m.
As of 3:34 p.m. those shelter in place advisories have been lifted.
“The gas leak has been capped and Fortis is making repairs. All shelter advisories are lifted. Traffic continues being rerouted on alternate roads,” reads the Township of Esquimalt’s public notice.
Fortis BC says that their crews have completed repairs. They’ve visited all customers impacted and relit their appliances.
Esquimalt Road is now open for eastbound and westbound traffic. However, Admirals Road remains closed from around 622 Admirals to Esquimalt Road in both directions.
According to Fortis, once the road repairs are complete, the road will be reopened.
Fortis BC says that a third party was responsible for this incident which could have been avoided.
“Earlier today, our crews responded to external party damage to our system that happened at Esquimalt Road and Admirals Road. Our crews are working on the necessary repairs to our system and, to complete this work,” a Fortis spokesperson told Victoria Buzz.
Fortis also expressed that this is a good reminder that the majority of damages to their gas system are preventable.
“Always contact BC 1 Call before digging to gather information on the location of buried gas lines and other utilities,” the spokesperson continued.
This story is still developing. Updates will be made as they become available.
