A report of a cracked pipeline caused the evacuation of a Tesla factory in Austin, Texas, this morning amid concerns of a hazardous gas leak.
The Daily Mail reports that the Austin Fire Department responded to a call about a potential gas leak at the Texas Tesla factory around 10:00 a.m. CT this morning. Crews received reports of a “hazardous materials incident” which prompted an immediate evacuation of the area surrounding the plant as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, the Austin Fire Department said they set up an isolation zone to ensure the safety of everyone working in the vicinity of the factory. Atmos Energy, the local natural gas utility, is working to completely shut off the valves to stop any further leakage. Commuters have been warned to expect heavy traffic and delays in the area as emergency crews work to secure the scene.
The Tesla Gigafactory in Austin is a primary manufacturing plant for Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, and also serves as the company’s headquarters. Approximately 20,000 people work at the massive facility. As of now, there have been no reports of any injuries related to the gas leak incident.
This is a developing story and more details are expected to emerge as local authorities and Tesla representatives provide further updates. The cause of the pipeline crack is still under investigation. Gas leaks pose serious safety hazards and it is crucial that the source is identified and repaired as quickly as possible to avoid any potential explosions or fires.
The evacuation of such a large facility like the Tesla plant will undoubtedly cause significant disruptions to the company’s operations today. However, the safety of the workers is the top priority and it is important for everyone to follow the instructions of emergency personnel until the situation is fully resolved. Stay tuned for more information as this story unfolds.
Read more at the Daily Mail here.
Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering issues of free speech and online censorship.