Gas line severed in Mill Valley

MILL VALLEY (KTVU) -- Crews ruptured a gas line Thursday morning, prompting lengthy traffic back-ups and warnings to nearby residents to close their windows.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. near east Blythedale and Sycamore streets. No injuries have been reported but motorists were urged to avoid the area.

Authorities said a 2-inch plastic line was severed by a third-party contractor that was doing some digging in the area.  Authorities said the contractor had a valid permit for the work but the PG&E lines were clearly marked. It was not immediately clear how the accident occurred.

Utility crews were working to shut off gas in the area and to repair the severed line. Police asked residents in the area to close their windows.