Hastings gas leak now capped - school kids returning

Emergency services were called to a gas leak near Hawke's Bay Hospital this morning. Photo / Duncan Brown

A gas leak that lead to properties and a school near Hawke's Bay Hospital being evacuated has now been contained.

Emergency services were alerted at 10.10am to the smell of gas in McLeod St and Omahu Rd, near the hospital in Hastings.

A gas main ruptured in Orchard St, which includes the southern entrance to the hospital, but It's understood contractors have now capped it.

Police said Camberley School had been evacuated and people were being directed to Heretaunga Intermediate, via the entrance of Camberley Kindergarten.

Residents of some properties in Orchard Rd and Kiwi St were also told to leave.

Residents Hastings' Kiwi Street have also now been evacuated due to the gas leak. Photo / Duncan Brown

Eight fire crews were on site and 30 people were evacuated, including pensioners from flats.

There had been a "large gas cloud" in the area, a Fire Service shift manager said.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board communications manager Anna Kirk said the hospital did not need to be evacuated, but Orchard Rd traffic headed for the hospital was being directed to other entrances.

Powerco operations manager (gas) Don Elers said the gas main supplied a significant number of industrial customers who would be affected while repairs were made.