Fort Worth public safety officials are urging drivers to avoid the area around I‑35 and Basswood Boulevard after a natural gas pipeline was damaged in the 2700 block of Basswood. The leak, attributed to construction crews unrelated to the pipeline operator Atmos, forced the closure of westbound traffic on I‑35 from Basswood to Horseman and prompted the evacuation of two nearby buildings as a precaution.
Evacuations and community impact
Atmos confirmed that two structures were cleared of occupants while crews worked to secure the damaged line. Councilman Charlie Lauersdorf posted on Facebook that a nearby daycare was affected, noting that roughly 20 children and four adults were experiencing medical issues, though NBC 5 has not independently verified those claims. A separate statement from Councilman Carlos Flores referenced the Action Behavior Centers, a clinical facility close to the leak site, as also being impacted.
Response from emergency services
The Fort Worth Police Department issued the traffic advisory and is coordinating with the Fort Worth Fire Department, which has been asked to assess any injuries or health effects from potential gas exposure. As of this writing, the fire department has not provided an update on medical outcomes.
Road closures and detours
Motorists traveling westbound on I‑35 are advised to use alternate routes while the closure remains in effect. The Fort Worth Police Department recommends staying clear of Basswood Boulevard and following posted detour signs. Drivers should monitor local news outlets and official city channels for updates on when the roadway will reopen.
Public safety reminders
Residents in the vicinity of the leak are encouraged to keep windows closed, avoid using open flames, and report any unusual odors to 911. The city’s emergency management team is working with Atmos to ensure the pipeline is repaired safely and that the surrounding area is cleared for normal use as quickly as possible.
What’s next?
Atmos has pledged to investigate the cause of the damage and to implement measures to prevent future incidents. The Fort Worth Police Department will continue to provide traffic updates, and the fire department will release any health information as it becomes available. Community members with concerns are urged to contact the Fort Worth Police non‑emergency line or visit the city’s official website for real‑time alerts.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
