Buildings evacuated on Auckland's Shortland St due to gas leak

Buildings evacuated on Auckland's Shortland St due to gas leak
Photo credit: Newshub

Several buildings in Auckland's CBD, including the AIG offices, have been evacuated on Tuesday following a gas leak.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency (FENZ) confirmed to Newshub six firetrucks were dispatched to the gas leak on Shortland St - on the corner of Chancery St and Bacon's Ln - in the city centre. 

Three trucks currently remain at the site to monitor gas levels.

It's understood the gas leak was situated under the footpath on Cruise Ln, a short stretch of road beside the AIG offices, and both Shortland St and Fields Ln remain closed. 

A spokesman for the energy company Vector told Newshub a failed valve was the source of the leak. The valve has since been safely isolated, he said, and is no longer leaking.

Vector crews remain on-site at Fields Ln and are working closely with emergency services, he added.

"We are now working on repairs and we expect to have these completed later this afternoon."

FENZ are currently working to ventilate the buildings before workers can safely re-enter the premises. 

Fields Ln is currently cordoned off.
Fields Ln is currently cordoned off. Photo credit: Newshub

A man who works inside the AIG building told Stuff he went to get some air after smelling the gas for roughly 20 minutes. 

"It's a pretty tall building. I expect it's going to take a while before it's all cleaned up," he told Stuff.

Another worker, who acts as a fire warden, told the outlet the smell was "strong" but "everyone is fine".