‘Major’ gas leak contained, Hamilton street reopened, schools out of lockdown
A major gas leak which partially shut down Hamilton’s Clyde St and put local schools into lockdown has been contained.
The road has reopened but traffic management remains while First Gas repairs the ruptured gas line.
Police originally warned the public about the gas leak about 8.50am.
Marian Catholic School and Sacred Heart Girls’ College closed parts of their schools as a precaution.
Jubilee Catholic Early Childhood Centre was just outside the cordon, on the corner of Firth St and Clyde St.
Earlier, Fire and Emergency New Zealand senior station officer Colin Klenner told the Herald there was a major gas line rupture at a construction site.
“We’re just working with First Gas at the moment to isolate it and keep everything out of the way and monitor the gas levels around our cordon.
“It is a major leak. They have to pull up the footpath.
“Hopefully not too much longer and then we can clear the cordon of any gas.”
In a message to parents, Marian Catholic School said all students in the St Mary’s block of the school had been moved to a different building.
“All other children are in their classrooms,” the message said.
“The gas company are working at the site and monitoring all levels.
“At this stage we have been told it is safe to stay where we are.”
A further update to the school said all children were safe inside the school and will remain there during the repair duration.
“You are welcome to pick up your children if you want to,” the message said.
“Please collect your child and then sign them out at the office.”
A social media alert from Sacred Heart Girls’ College said the leak was being repaired “but may take some time”.
“The school is being monitored for gas levels, but there are no issues currently.
“We are operating normally based on advice from emergency services.”
The school said as a precautionary measure the Clyde St side of the school had been closed to all students.
Jubilee Catholic Early Childhood Centre issued an alert to parents at about 11am saying the process to repair the damaged line had begun.
“We have just been informed that the leak has now been contained.
“We are moving out of lockdown. You do not need to collect your child early.”
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.