Hollywood residents return home 2 days after excavator hits gas line near Turnpike

Residents are back home after a major gas leak forced evacuations in a Hollywood neighborhood on Friday night. Officials said the leak started after an excavator hit a natural gas pipeline near the Turnpike. As crews continue repairs, neighbors are looking back at what could have been a much worse situation. Chopper 6 captured that dramatic scene as the leak spewed onto homes and the Turnpike. Carmen recounts the moments when an excavator working next to the turnpike struck a gas line, which sent natural gas, mud and dirt shooting into the air for hours. Carmen said the smell of gas was overwhelming. She told NBC6 police went door-to-door, telling residents they had to leave their homes as crews worked to contain the leak. For Carmen, she was fearful for her life, packed her bags and left. Across the street, an assisted living facility that was also evacuated has reopened. Residents there told NBC6 everyone is okay. This gas line runs through a West Hollyw