14 Oct 2013

Major gas leak in central Dunedin after main pipe cut

12:07 pm on 14 October 2013

A major gas leak in Dunedin forced the evacuation of a city block and closed part of a main street in the city centre.

The Fire Service says a digger working in Albion Lane cut through a gas main pipe about 8.40am on Monday.

Emergency workers at the gas leak in Albion Lane.

Emergency workers at the gas leak in Albion Lane. Photo: RNZ

Workers who witnessed the digger cutting the pipe say gas shot into the air like a geyser.

The gas pooled in a basement in the Harvest Court Mall, next to where the pipe was cut.

Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said heavy gas flowing into the basement created the real risk of a major explosion.

"If that had been a source of ignition in that room and it had ignited it would have been a pretty intensive blast and the risk from the explosion, fire, and of course shrapnel from flying glass and bits and pieces, was high."

A city block between George Street and Great King Street, which includes the Harvest Court Mall and a McDonalds restaurant, was evacuated and George Street was cordoned off between St Andrews and Hanover Streets, just north of the Octagon for two hours.

Fire crews spent about two hours dispersing the gas safely. Most shoppers and workers to return to the area from 11.30 but police said a small cordon around the cut pipe would remain as a precaution.