Natural Gas Leak Forces Evacuations In Banning

Riverside County fire crews helped evacuate workers at several businesses on Ramsey St. in Banning on Monday after a natural gas leak created dangerous conditions.

The fumes were first reported at 11:15 a.m. at the a group of businesses at the corner of Ramsey and Sunset.

Workers and customers were told to leave the buildings, and at least seven people were treated on the scene for shortness of breath. Two were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Everyone was cleared to go back inside shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Riverside County Environmental Health, Riverside County Hazardous Materials teams were unable to pinpoint the source of the natural gas odor. The gas company took over the task of locating it.