Hundreds evacuated in downtown Wellington after gas leak

1.00pm

Hundreds of people returned to their offices, homes and hotels in downtown Wellington late this morning after a major gas leak at peak rush hour forced mass evacuations.

Homes and offices, including the Wellington City Council complex and the Duxton Hotel across several blocks, were evacuated and sealed off after a 100mm gas pipeline outside the Michael Fowler Centre on Wakefield St was ruptured by a digger about 7.45am.

Flammable and toxic fumes wafted across the capital, becoming trapped in and around nearby buildings as emergency services cleared out hundreds of people from buildings on the waterfront up to Cuba St.

"It was very strong smell, right across Te Aro," city council spokesman Richard MacLean told NZPA.

Police emergency response manager Paul Berry said the concentration of gas in some areas was considered dangerously high and police mustered all available staff to clear and seal off the area and divert traffic.

The closure of roads caused heavy traffic gridlock throughout the city, bringing buses to a standstill and delaying thousands of commuters.

The gas was shut off nearly an hour later at 8.52am. Police and gas technicians then checked gas levels in buildings before allowing people back in at 9.20am.

A spokesman for Nova Gas was not immediately available to explain the delay in shutting off the gas.

Traffic flows returned to normal by 9.45am after a "smooth" emergency operation, Mr Berry said in a statement.

Contractors working on a sewer overflow tank who ruptured the pipe may have been using heavy machinery too close to the pipe and might have to foot the bill.

- NZPA