Gas leak prompts evacuations in North Cocoa

NORTH COCOA, Fla. – Brevard County Fire Rescue is investigating a gas leak in North Cocoa. 

Crews were dispatched to the 5700 block of JD's Place just after 6:00 a.m.

District Chief Jeff Taylor told local 6 that a high-pressure 36 inch transmission line ruptured and seven homes close to the leak remain under an evacuation order as of 8:17 a.m.  Taylor says five of the homes were occupied.

Gas company representative were able to stop the leak and say it will take about an hour for the excess gas to bleed off.

Chief Taylor says the transmission line runs the length of Brevard County and provides natural gas for most of the county.

Train service in the area remains shutdown until the gas bleed off is complete and an all clear is given.

Chief Taylor says the cause of the rupture remains under investigation.  It is unclear if the line ruptured naturally or if something damaged it, causing the leak.

Taylor says 911 operators received calls from concerned people saying they could smell the natural gas as far south as North Melbourne.

There are no reports of injuries.

Local 6 reporter Kala Rama is in Brevard County working with local law enforcement and fire rescue crews to gather the latest information.

Check back throughout the day for updates.


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