Auckland City, Customs St has been evacuated from a large gas leak.
Video / NZ Herald
Emergency services evacuated Auckland’s downtown area after a gas leak on Thursday evening, leaving central city streets blocked for hours.
An emergency alert sent to mobile phones in the area at 5.45pm told people to close all doors and windows.
“There is a gas leak at the intersection of Customs Street East and Gore Street in the Auckland CBD,” the alert said. “If you have any concerns, please call Fire and Emergency. Alternatively, evacuate the immediate area and follow instructions from local authorities. Please stay away from the area to allow emergency vehicle access.”
Part of Customs St was cordoned off from Albert St. Beach Rd was also closed up to Anzac Ave.
Shortly before 9pm FENZ announced the gas leak had been contained.
Deputy National Commander Brendan Nally said Vector had isolated the leak, which was earlier leaking from a manhole at the intersection of Customs Street East and Gore Street.
”Gas detection equipment is being used to ensure buildings are safe to enter and the roads will remain closed while emergency services ensure the gas has dispersed. The roads will remain closed, and we continue to ask public to avoid the area,” Nally said.
Then at 10pm another emergency alert sent to mobile phones confirmed it is now safe for people to return to the downtown area.
A Herald reporter said earlier in the evening that the “smell of gas is very strong on the corner of Customs and Commerce”.
A Vector gas emergency response van is within the cordon.
Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said four fire crews and support crews with gas detection equipment were at the scene.
“The leak is coming from a manhole.”
The scene in downtown Auckland on Thursday evening. Photo / Raphael Franks
Auckland Transport has detoured buses that terminate at Britomart.
At least 17 buses are backed up on Gore, Fort and Commerce Sts.
“Wake me if we start moving,” said one bus driver, forced to wait behind the cordon.
Police are managing traffic while Fenz deals with the gas leak.
Part of Customs Street, Downtown, is being cordoned due to an emergency services incident. Buses that use Britomart as a terminus will be detoured, details will follow as we get them.
Please expect delays and follow the directions of any emergency services or AT staff on site. pic.twitter.com/TN0xbE2r9v
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) August 24, 2023
Commuters have been told to expect delays and follow the directions of emergency services or transport staff.
