Several San Francisco buildings were evacuated because of a gas leak after flooding near the Marina District, according to a fire department spokesman.
The initial flooding, due to a broken water main, closed the intersection at Fillmore and Union streets.
A shelter-in-place order is in effect with streets shut down in a one-block radius from the intersection.
A strong smell of gas was reported and PG&E is on-site searching for the origin of the odor.
The water main has since been shut off, and the streets are covered in a brown substance.
Fire department officials confirmed the brown substance is sand and not sewage.
UPDATE: AT THIS TIME- Shelter in place with streets shut down in a 1 block radius from the intersection of Union and Fillmore Street. Uniformed public servants will notify you if your in the evacuation zone indicated. Text your zip code to 888-777 for digital safety updates https://t.co/p5urXSeADb
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) November 8, 2022
Update, 5:50 p.m.: Shortly before 5:30 p.m., PG&E stated that the flow of gas had been stopped. Water damage affected the basement of one building, but no injuries were reported. Traffic will continue to be diverted.=
Garrett Leahy can be reached at garrett@sfstandard.com