Source: Brandon Shackelford/WAFBHazardous materials crews responded to a gas leak in Baton Rouge that caused several businesses to be evacuated Tuesday morning, but the order was lifted once the all clear was given.
The Baton Rouge Fire Department reported evacuations were ordered for businesses along South Choctaw Drive from Flannery Road to North Sherwood Forest Drive due to the hazardous materials leak. The evacuation area was later reduced to South Choctaw between North Harco Drive and North Christy Drive and was lifted around 9 a.m.
Officials added the evacuation only impacted 10 to 15 businesses and was put in place as a precaution. They did not mention any homes being evacuated.
South Choctaw was also reopened to traffic once the all clear was given.
According to BRFD, there was a high pressure leak of a pipeline behind businesses along South Choctaw that created a vapor cloud of petroleum.
Officials added Shell workers quickly responded to the scene and shut down the line.
WAFB was initially notified of the gas leak via a text message from a viewer.