Gas leak forces evacuation of Ponsonby block

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A gas leak in Ponsonby led to the evacuation of many businesses in the area last night.

The Fire Service was called to Ponsonby Rd following reports that a gas main had ruptured on the street, around 8pm, northern fire communications shift manager Colin Underdown said.

People from nearby businesses and homes along Ponsonby Rd and Pollen St were evacuated, while firefighters worked to isolate the leak.

The Ponsonby Food Court was on of those businesses which was evacuated.

Witness Chris Hislop said the upstairs food hall was full of people waiting for their food when an alarm went off and he was ushered out a side exit.

"I could smell a really strong smell of gas and I could hear a hissing sound," he said.

The food court was extremely busy when it was evacuated, Mr Hislop said.

"It was packed, it was peak time. A lot of people had to leave their food."

Stores along Ponsonby Rd and Pollen St have now reopened.