Two burned in gas leak ignition

Two people were burned Monday when the gas from a burst utility pipe ignited in Newport Beach, fire department officials said.

About 11:24 a.m., firefighters responded to a gas line rupture on Cypress Street, where two people had suffered first- and second-degree burns to their arms.

The two were doing construction on a home there and while digging, broke the natural gas and electrical lines, officials said.

The gas ignited and shot flames up to 15 feet in the air, firefighters said. About 20 people in the area were evacuated and eventually allowed to return. The two people injured were taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana.

The leak was fixed and the fire extinguished by 1:45 p.m.

— Joseph Serna