Properties around Whanganui's Liverpool St evacuated due to gas main rupture

A ruptured gas main on Liverpool St in Whanganui prompted the evacuation of tens of properties on Friday morning.

Fire crews and police were on site near the intersection with Bell St, with contractors rushing to fix the damaged pipe.

Fire and Emergency Whanganui station officer Jason Hamlin said the rupture appeared to have been caused accidentally by contractors.

"We received a call about a ruptured gas main. We're just going around now and evacuating people from their homes while it is repaired."

Properties in the Liverpool St area are being evacuated after a gas main ruptured. Photo / Bevan Conley

Hamlin said a cordon 500 metres in each direction was put in place.

One resident, who did not want to named, said she was evacuated about 9.45am from her home on Liverpool St.

"I've got my sick mother with me so I tried to stay, but they asked us to leave," the woman said.

"Apparently we will be out here for two hours."

GasNet general manager Jim Coe said in a statement GasNet was advised at 9.10am of a third party damage to the gas network in Liverpool St.

"GasNet responded and requested Fire Service attendance at 9.23am. Fire Service and police determined an evaluation radius of 500m."

Coe said the main was isolated at 10.17am, with two consumers affected.

"Incident is under control with five GasNet personnel on site. No one injured.

"House by house all clear check for presence of gas is occurring, prior to okay for affected residents to be able to return to their homes.

"Normal service will be restored later today."

Coe thanked the Fire Service and police for their assistance, and the affected community for their patience.

Photo / Bevan Conley

Photo / Bevan Conley