Road reopens after gas leak at Sunset Condos leads to closure on Fort Myers Beach

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A gas leak at Sunset Condos led to the closure of Estero Boulevard and an evacuation of the surrounding area in Fort Myers Beach. Estero Boulevard has since reopened.

According to the Fort Myers Beach Fire District, a new 1,000-gallon buried propane tank was leaking at the condominiums located on the 6400 block of Estero Boulevard. A fire crew used water from a fire hose to push the vapors from the propane gas away from any occupied structures or ignition sources.

The fire department said a man driving a tractor somehow drove over the propane tank, causing the leak.

For more than six hours, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies blocked the section of Estero Boulevard leading to the Sunset Condos complex, and some people had to stand and wait because they couldn’t get home.

“I tried to walk there, but they don’t allow anybody walking. So she said, even walking on the beach, I can’t get to the property at all. Which is pretty unfortunate,” said Yvonne Murphy. “I understand that part. And it’s important that, you know, no one gets hurt.”

Now that the all clear’s been given, that woman and everyone else is allowed back in their homes, and Estero Boulevard is back open.

Fort Myers Beach fire said the gas leak did not impact Ian recovery efforts on the island.

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