Gas Leak Triggers Evacuations In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Several homes on Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula were under evacuation orders Thursday due to a leak of methane gas, authorities said.

According to authorities, the leak is believed to have been caused by oil seeping from an abandoned well beneath one of the affected properties.

It was not immediately clear how many homes were affected by the emergency evacuation order in the 3600 block of Marcus Avenue.

According to city officials, a local emergency was declared Wednesday due to the leak.

"Our top priority is the safety of residents and our neighborhoods," City Manager Grace Leung said in a statement. "We are taking swift action to protect the public while closely assessing the situation and coordinating with partner agencies."

Newport Beach officials said the city is "working with regulatory agencies to determine the source and extent of the oil seepage."