Workers accidentally struck a PG&E underground gas line near Fifth Avenue and B Street on Wednesday, July 29, forcing evacuations of two buildings and a shelter-in-place order that shut down several blocks of downtown San Rafael for nearly three hours.

The rupture occurred just before 9:30 a.m., according to PG&E spokesperson Megan McFarland, who spoke to the San Francisco Chronicle. San Rafael police, the San Rafael Fire Department, and PG&E crews all responded.

By about 9:35 a.m., police issued a shelter-in-place order covering Fifth Avenue between A and C streets and B Street between Fourth Street and Mission Avenue. Residents and workers inside those blocks were told to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and shut off outside ventilation.

Eight minutes later, at 9:43 a.m., police ordered evacuations at Westamerica Bank at 1108 Fifth Avenue and at 1210 Fifth Avenue, according to Patch San Rafael. People at the bank were directed north toward Mission Avenue or A Street; those at 1210 Fifth Avenue were told to head toward Mission Avenue or C Street. Everyone was warned to avoid the intersection where crews were working.

At 10:01 a.m., police closed Fifth Avenue between A and C streets and B Street between Fourth Street and Mission Avenue. Mission Avenue between Wilson Court and C Street was later added to the closure area. Motorists were urged to use Second, Third, and Fourth streets as alternates.

The shelter-in-place was lifted at approximately 12:25 p.m. after the gas line was repaired, according to San Rafael police via Patch. The gas line had been fixed.

"The first step was to shut off the flow of gas, then determine which repairs were needed," McFarland told the Chronicle.

No injuries were reported.

Road closures remained in effect after the all-clear and were expected to last throughout Wednesday, according to Bay City News via SFGate. The closures covered Fifth Avenue between A and C streets, B Street from Fourth Avenue to Mission Avenue, and Mission Avenue between Wilkins Street and C Street.

The San Rafael Police Department posted updates throughout the incident on its official X account.