Damaged gas line closes downtown Vancouver street to traffic

Damage to a gas service line caused a leak that closed part of Abbott Street in the Downtown Eastside on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (CTV News)

FortisBC crews were called to repair damage to a gas service line “caused by an external party” in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Thursday morning.

The gas leak prompted firefighters to close Abbott Street to traffic between West Hastings and Cordova streets, though the street was reopened by early afternoon.

CTV News has reached out to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services for more information about the call, and this story will be updated if a response is received.

FortisBC said in a post on social media around 10:40 a.m. that the damage had been done to a gas service line on West Hastings Street.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as our crews work to safely make repairs,” the post reads.

In a statement to CTV News, FortisBC said it was notified of the damage to its gas line around 8:10 a.m. It estimated that repairs would be completed by 4 p.m.

A total of 62 customers lost gas service while crews repaired the system, the company said.

FortisBC also explained its process for dealing with damage to the system, which starts with determining the best way to stop the flow of gas, then shutting down the affected section to allow crews to make repairs.

“Once we complete repairs and reactivate the impacted portion of the system, our crews restore service by visiting each affected home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances,” the company’s statement reads.

The company described Thursday’s incident as “a good reminder for everyone” of what to do if you smell rotten eggs or hear the sound of escaping gas.

“Stop what you’re doing, go outside and dial 911 or call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911,” the company said.

“We would also like to remind the public that the majority of damages to our gas system are preventable – always contact BC 1 Call (1-800-474-6886) before digging to gather information on the location of buried gas lines and other utilities. Approximately 90 per cent of damages to our gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices.”