A gas line was broken during road work on Zhongzheng Road in Taoyuan, burning one gas company worker — bad news for the crew, though the injuries were not life-threatening.

• Crews digging on Zhongzheng Road hit a gas pipe early Friday afternoon, causing a leak.
• A 48-year-old gas company employee suffered burns to his head, neck, and both arms.
• Firefighters treated him at the scene and sent him to hospital; he stayed conscious throughout.
• Seven firefighters, two fire trucks, and an ambulance were sent, and water lines were set up to guard against ignition.
• The leak was sealed less than an hour after the emergency call came in.

Outlook: Investigators are still working out why the line ruptured, and the findings could shape how future digging near gas pipes is handled.