GAS LINE RUPTURE

Gary Reaves reports

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ARLINGTON - One of the largest gas lines that Atmos runs through Arlington was ruptured Wednesday evening after a truck hit the gas line.

Authorities said the driver fled the scene, but was later arrested under suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The ruptured gas could actually be heard a block away and smelled from at least six blocks away.

"You can hear it and it's a pretty strong odor," said Lt. Blake Miller, with the Arlington Police Department.

One driver, Lamont Ellis, said he stopped his truck and ran from the scene at the time of the rupture.

"I realized that was gas coming out with a really loud noise," Ellis said. "So, I panicked and I closed my door and I just got away from it."

Since Ellis left his truck across the street from the rupture, he was stranded as workers tried to fix the problem.

The Arlington Fire Department said they believe the ruptured line posed no immediate threat. However, at least eight homes were evacuated.

Work to fix the line would most likely go on until late into the evening, Atmos said.

E-mail greaves@wfaa.com