Crash in Douglas County triggers shelter-in-place after gas leak

A half-mile shelter-in-place spread across parts of Parker Wednesday afternoon after a vehicle crashed near West Parker Road and South Chambers Road, struck an outbuilding and hit a pressurized gas line. Douglas County officials ordered residents, schools and businesses in the affected area to stay put as the leak sent a strong gas odor into the neighborhood.

South Metro Fire Rescue told people inside the perimeter to close windows and doors, shut off HVAC systems and avoid anything that could create sparks or electricity while crews worked the scene. The protective order covered an area around 10700 Chambers Road, and Pine Grove Elementary School sheltered in place as a precaution. Chambers Road was closed in both directions between Main Street and Cosmopolitan Way while firefighters and utility crews worked to isolate the leak.

Authorities brought the leak under control at about 2:45 p.m., then lifted the shelter-in-place. Even after the immediate hazard was contained, officials warned that a lingering gas smell could remain in the area.

The response underscored how quickly a routine traffic crash can become a broader public-safety event in a fast-growing part of Douglas County. What began as a collision near a busy Parker intersection turned into a utility emergency that reached nearby homes, classrooms and businesses before crews could secure the line.

9NEWS reported that two people were taken to the hospital. No other injuries were immediately reported, and officials had not publicly detailed what led to the crash itself. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the shelter-in-place was later lifted after the scene was stabilized.