Residents are back home after a major gas leak forced evacuations in a Hollywood neighborhood on Friday night.
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Officials said the leak started after an excavator hit a natural gas pipeline near the Turnpike.
As crews continue repairs, neighbors are looking back at what could have been a much worse situation.
Chopper 6 captured that dramatic scene as the leak spewed onto homes and the Turnpike.
Carmen recounts the moments when an excavator working next to the turnpike struck a gas line, which sent natural gas, mud and dirt shooting into the air for hours.
Carmen said the smell of gas was overwhelming.
She told NBC6 police went door-to-door, telling residents they had to leave their homes as crews worked to contain the leak.
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For Carmen, she was fearful for her life, packed her bags and left.
Across the street, an assisted living facility that was also evacuated has reopened.
Residents there told NBC6 everyone is okay.
This gas line runs through a West Hollywood neighborhood, which is steps from a playground and next to the Turnpike.
The Florida Gas Transmission Company owns and operates the line, which runs from South Florida west to Texas.
Their statement reads in part, “The area is secure, and there were no injuries.”
While the leak has been contained, crews were back on-site on Sunday.
Residents were allowed to return home, but some are still thinking about what could have happened if the gas had ignited.
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Carmen said she’s grateful that the worst-case scenario never happened.