MIDDLETON, Idaho — A gas line explosion near the intersection of Purple Sage Road and Duff Lane in Middleton prompted evacuations Thursday morning.
The explosion occurred after a worker driving an excavator dug through a 22-inch natural gas transmission line. The man was taken to a local hospital with "minor injuries" from the incident, a spokesperson with the Middleton Star Fire District said.
Following the incident, the Canyon County Sheriff's Office began evacuating anyone within a four-mile radius of the intersection of Purple Sage Road and Duff Lane. The evacuation notice was lifted around 11:40 a.m. Thursday.
Residents within the designated area were then asked to shelter in place as Williams Pipeline worked on "locking out and tagging out the valves on both end," officials said.
The sheriff's office said as of 2:10 p.m. Thursday, all evacuation and shelter in place orders have been lifted and it is safe to return to the area. Students in the Middleton School District have returned to normal operations.
According to Williams Pipeline, the gas transmission line was pushing roughly 750 pounds per-square inch of pressure.
"The explosion was felt and the gas flow could be felt about a mile away. It was a pretty substantial explosion just due to the pressure in that line," Middleton Star Fire District Battalion Chief David Jones said.
Jones added there should not be an interruption for local gas as a result of the explosion.
"Thanks to all the neighboring law enforcement and fire agencies for their assistance today," Canyon County officials wrote on social media. "And special thanks to everyone for their cooperation and patience during this incident."
Highway 44 was closed west of Star for more than two hours following the incident. The Ada County Sheriff's Office said the highway has since reopened.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.