Gas leak blows hole in road

Shops and businesses in a Kapiti Coast town had to be evacuated this morning after contractors ruptured a gas main, blowing a large hole in the road.

Senior Sergeant Alasdair Macmillan of the Kapiti Police said contractors were excavating behind Waikanae Mall at around 11.10am when they accidentally severed an 8cm gas pipeline.

"I understand the force of the gas caused a rather large crater," he said.

"Unfortunately, due to a slight southerly, the gas was drifting over the business premises, and so we thought it prudent to cordon off the road and evacuate everyone in the area."

Shops and offices, including the local community police base, were emptied.

Radios and mobile phones were turned off because of the risk of them triggering an explosion.

He said police and fire crews were at the scene and the gas company had shut off the gas.

After allowing five minutes for the gas to dissipate, it would be safe for people to return to their workplaces, he said.

Meanwhile, Occupational Health and Safety had been alerted, and would be carrying out an investigation.

- NZPA