Officials said an excavator working near the highway struck a pipeline, sending gas, mud and dirt into the air for hours. Police went door to door to tell residents to leave while crews worked to contain the leak. A nearby assisted living facility was also evacuated and has since reopened.

One resident, identified as Carmen, said the smell of gas was overwhelming and that she feared for her life as she packed and left. She said she was grateful the incident did not end in a fire or explosion.

The damaged line is owned and operated by Florida Gas Transmission Company and runs from South Florida west to Texas. The company said the area was secure and that nobody was injured. The leak was contained, but crews were back at the site Sunday to continue repairs.

The pipeline is in a residential area close to a playground and the Turnpike, leaving some neighbors reflecting on the potential danger while repairs continue.