Traffic on Waihi Rd was blocked for more than four hours yesterday while emergency services helped repair a gas leak.
Nearby residents were also asked to stay inside their homes while the leak was fixed. The leak, opposite the intersection with Montgomery Rd, occurred about 9.30am when a digger ruptured one of the two gas feed mains that run up Waihi Rd.
Emergency service vehicles surrounded the site of the leak and cordons were in place at either end.
Fire Service Bay of Plenty Coast assistant area commander Jeffrey Maunder said the leak of natural gas carried a risk of fire, so residents were asked to stay inside and to douse all sources of ignition.
Mr Maunder said the fire service assisted Vector workers while they stopped the leak. "We provide protection from any ignition that might happen. We put a high pressure water fog into the air, which helps dilute the gas."
