105 Fwy Reopens After Methane Gas Leak

Nearly 40 families were evacuated as workers attempted to cap the well

The 105 Freeway in the Hawthorne area reopened Monday shortly before noon after workers stopped the flow of water and methane gas from a leaking well.

Updates: Traffic Map

Earlier Monday the freeway was closed between Crenshaw Boulevard and the 405 Freeway as crews investigated the leak. CHP officials urged drivers to take alternate routes to and from Los Angeles International Airport.

Workers from Boot and Coots International, owned by Halliburton, stopped the flow of water and methane, and crews responded to cap the leak near Imperial Highway and Truro Avenue (map) -- about four miles east of LAX. The problem began Thursday when there was an unexpected flow from the out-of-service well.

Although this is a rare situation, our response protocols are effectively addressing this unique situation.

Authorities did not have an estimate on how long crews will need to cap the well.

"Once the well has been capped, on-site experts will monitor conditions until it is determined safe for residents to return to their homes," Golden State Water officials said in a statement.

Thirty-seven families were evacuated during the response. The leak will not affect the neighborhood's water suppy, according to authorities.

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"As a precaution, Los Angeles County officials have evacuated an area surrounding the well due to higher than normal levels of naturally occurring methane gas," Golden State Water's statement continued. "All displaced residents have been relocated to nearby hotels and updated with the latest information."

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