SoCalGas fixes gas leak that gushed methane into Los Angeles for 16 weeks

Though well needs to be permanently sealed and inspected, announcement marked first time leak has been under control since it was reported in October

A blowout at a natural gas well that gushed uncontrollably for 16 weeks and drove thousands of residents from their Los Angeles homes was plugged on Thursday, a utility said.

The leak is expected to cost Southern California Gas Co, a division of Sempra Energy, at least $250m, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.