Newark gas company evacuated due to gas leak

NEWARK, Calif. -- A leaking container of potentially explosive gas prompted the evacuation of a Newark gas company this morning, a fire battalion chief said.

The fire department's hazardous materials team responded at 7:13 a.m. to the Matheson Tri-Gas facility at 6775 Central Ave., Alameda County fire Battalion Chief Stephanie Radecke said.

An alarm indicated a 5-foot gas cylinder containing diborane was leaking and there was condensation on the tank and other evidence it was leaking, Radecke said.

The building was evacuated and the tank is contained inside so there is no threat to the environment, Radecke said. The hazmat team was preparing to enter the building this morning to move the tank to a secure containment area.

Streets are shut down in the area and Radecke said she expects the fire department to be there for hours. No injuries were reported.