A construction mishap in Tukwila caused significant chaos and safety concerns on Thursday afternoon, forcing a large-scale evacuation and the complete closure of a major thoroughfare. The incident began shortly after 1:00 PM on May 7, 2026, when a construction crew accidentally severed a high-pressure natural gas line.
The rupture occurred near the intersection of Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144th Street, leading to a rapid emergency response from fire crews and utility workers.
Key details of the emergency response:
- Urgent Evacuations: Fearing a potential explosion, Tukwila Police and Fire officials ordered a “Level 3” immediate evacuation for all businesses and residences within a 500-foot radius of the leak. This included the displacement of numerous people from local hotels and apartment complexes.
- Total Road Closure: Authorities shut down Tukwila International Boulevard in both directions, between South 139th Street and South 152nd Street. The closure created a massive “chokepoint” for South King County commuters, with traffic spilling over onto nearby I-5 and SR 99.
- A “Dangerous” Leak: Witnesses reported a loud roaring sound and a powerful smell of gas permeating the area. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) crews arrived on the scene to “pinch” the line, a delicate process that took several hours due to the high pressure of the gas.
- Transit Disruptions: King County Metro was forced to reroute several bus lines, and officials cautioned travelers heading toward Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to expect significant delays.
- All Clear: After nearly four hours of work, PSE successfully capped the leak. By 5:00 PM, the evacuation orders were lifted, and residents were allowed to return to their homes, though road crews remained on-site to repair the damaged asphalt.
While no injuries or fires were reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with infrastructure work in densely populated transit corridors.
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