Large gas leak, ‘strong odor’ causes evacuation at Katy shopping center

Large gas leak, 'strong odor' causes evacuation at Katy shopping center

Originally published by KHOU*11

Some businesses have been allowed to reopen, but nearby residents have been kept away from their homes as repairs are made.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters and a HAZMAT team responded to a shopping center in the Katy area early Wednesday after reports of an odor and a gas leak.

The sheriff’s office reported around 10 a.m. the leak caused the evacuation of a shopping center that includes a Kroger store and several other businesses.

Crews from CenterPoint, Fort Bend HAZMAT and the Katy Fire Department were on the scene.

As of 11:30 a.m., the businesses were allowed to reopen, but some nearby residents were still being kept away from their homes.

Residents were advised to avoid FM 1463 from Cane Island Parkway to Spring Green Boulevard.

The Katy Police Department issued similar guidance, noting there was a strong odor in the area:

“There is a large gas leak behind the Kroger on Spring Green Blvd. The Katy Fire Department is on scene monitoring air conditions. At this time there is a strong odor evident and we advise avoiding the area if possible.”

No injuries or illnesses have been reported so far. The cause of the leak was not disclosed.

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