Rugby World Cup deadlines may be causing gas ruptures

Ruptured gas lines have become a common event in Auckland in recent weeks. File photo / Dean Purcell

People trying to get work done before the start of the Rugby World Cup may be responsible for an upsurge in the number of gas ruptures in Auckland.

The latest incident has seen several people treated today for gas inhalation at Hunters Plaza in Papatoetoe.

In a separate event, properties in the suburb of St Johns were evacuated this morning after gas was found to be leaking into a stormwater system.

A spokeswoman for Vector believes a moratorium the Council has placed on new works immediately before the Rugby World Cup, has made people try to get contracting jobs done early.

She is reminding contractors Vector has a "dial before you dig" service, to help prevent pipes being damaged.

- Newstalk ZB