Gas Pipeline Rupture in Tyler Leads to Evacuations and Road Closures

Gas Pipeline Rupture in Tyler Leads to Evacuations and Road Closures

Tyler, TX — January 30, 2026 — A vehicle collision ruptured a natural gas pipeline on the west side of Tyler, leading to evacuations and road closures as emergency crews worked to manage the gas release.

Incident Details

The accident occurred near Highway 31 West and Whiteside Drive, where a vehicle struck the pipeline, causing a significant gas leak. Residents in the immediate vicinity were evacuated as a safety measure, and a perimeter was established by emergency responders.

Response Efforts

CenterPoint Energy, the pipeline operator, closed several remote valves to slow the gas flow. However, a full shutdown was not immediately possible, and crews conducted on-site monitoring to assess gas concentrations and support isolation efforts. Complete shutdown and repair activities were expected to take several hours.

Traffic and School Updates

Local police and fire departments coordinated traffic control and emergency response. Highway 31 West was closed between Eisenhower Drive and Loop 323, with motorists directed to use alternate routes. Tyler Independent School District announced that schools remained open following consultation with city officials, though bus routes were evaluated for potential delays due to road closures. Parents were notified directly if transportation schedules were affected.

Additional Information

The driver involved in the collision was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. One police officer responding to the incident was transported to a hospital after feeling ill but was later reported to be in stable condition.

Sources

• Gas Pipeline Rupture in Tyler, Texas Triggers Evacuations, Road Closures
• Gas line rupture forces evacuations, closes part of Highway 31 West in Tyler