ABQ Times

A significant gas leak prompted the evacuation of all 54 units at El Centro Familiar, a public housing complex in Albuquerque's South Valley. The complex, located at 2210 Centro Familiar SW, is managed by Bernalillo County and houses seniors aged 55 and over as well as individuals with disabilities.

The New Mexico Gas Company responded to address the leak, though its cause remains unknown. Fortunately, no injuries or illnesses have been reported among residents.

Inspectors found active leaks in two of the complex's "pods," which are clusters of six or seven units each. Residents from these pods were evacuated first.

By Monday evening, approximately 112 residents, along with their pets and essential belongings, were relocated to a local hotel with kitchenettes. This operation was conducted by Bernalillo County’s Public Safety Division of the Office of Emergency Management and staff from the Parks, Recreation and Open Space departments. Assistance was also provided by the county’s Housing Department.

Residents are expected to remain displaced for at least a week due to the extensive nature of repairs needed. The leaks appear to have been present for some time. Repairs will begin with siphoning gas from underground throughout the night, a process that may be audible across several blocks.

The El Centro housing units date back to the 1980s. The New Mexico Gas Company discovered the leaks following a service call about an unusual odor from one resident.