By Elsa Maxey

Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Deputy Coordinator Alan Spears tells the "Star" that a construction contractor was digging a sewer line when he hit a gas line near Pecan Grove. He was doing some work for the new FBISD middle school, newly named James Bowie Middle School.

Reports to the Fort Bend OEM on Friday about a gas leak on a Centerpoint Energy pipeline resulting in a fire led to temporary road closures. Although the fire did not start immediately, “as soon as the back hoe operator realized what he hit, he pulled up a little and jumped off the equipment,” said Spears.

The incident was at Plantation and Harlem Roads near the Pecan Grove subdivision which resulted in road closures “until the area is safe for vehicular traffic,” read an advisory. Occurring just a little before 3 p.m., the fire from the gas leak was extinguished two hours later. Reports indicate that authorities said the area had to cool down before the gas company workers could make repairs.

The Pecan Grove subdivision remained accessible by way of Pitts Road and FM 359 until the situation was resolved. Four hours later at about 7 p.m., the all clear alert from the Fort Bend County OEM on the same day indicated that Plantation Drive between Bittersweet and Harlem had been re-opened and that the Pecan Grove subdivision could be accessed from Harlem Road. Spears said there were no injuries. One piece of equipment, however, was destroyed.

Fort Bend County alerts from the Fort Bend OEM are available to residents and those traveling to or working in the county. They consist of rapid text notifications and updates during a major crisis or emergency that can be sent to mobile phones, email accounts, a Blackberry, iPhone or Smartphone. Those interested may sign up to receive the alerts and emergency notifications by visiting fbcoem.org

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