In a troubling turn of events for residents of Maple Ridge, a significant water main break has triggered a rupture in a nearby natural gas line, according to FortisBC.

The incident occurred on Saturday just before 12:30 p.m. along Lougheed Highway, eastbound near 203rd Street. City officials, including Chief Operating Officer Walter Oleschak, are closely monitoring the situation.

"We’re waiting for Fortis to assess the necessary emergency repairs," Oleschak stated, providing reassurance amid the chaos.

Generally, ruptured gas lines can raise safety concerns, but Oleschak noted that this particular situation might not pose a significant risk. He explained, "The real danger comes when gas accumulates in a confined space. With it flowing freely into the environment, the risk of explosion diminishes substantially."

FortisBC is expected to update the public as their repair crews assess the damage and make the necessary fixes.

In the meantime, the water main break has caused considerable traffic disruptions, with eastbound lanes on Lougheed Highway now closed at 203rd Street, leading to headaches for drivers in the area.

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