Shell gas leak shuts Airline for more than an hour

A pipeline leak at the Shell/Motiva complex in Norco on Tuesday morning forced the closure of Airline Highway for over an hour between Prospect Avenue and Apple Street.

At about 10 a.m. on June 8, the complex reported an off gassing of propylene gas vapor.

Propylene is used to make plastics. The leak occurred while workers were testing the pipeline for corrosion.

Officials said that propylene turns into flammable gas when it escapes a pressurized pipeline. The major concerns were that the gas was flammable and that it could cause asphyxiation in high concentrations.

Repairs to the pipeline were made by 11:45 a.m. that morning and Airline Highway was reopened.

Officials said no one was injured and no fires occurred.