Major road closed in Whangārei after reports of ‘possible’ gas leak

Emergency services have reopened a major road that was closed temporarily following reports of a gas leak in Kamo, Whangārei, this morning.

Police said they assisted Fire and Emergency crew after they were notified of the incident in Station Rd about 9.50am.

Whangārei Senior Station Officer Rhys Wirihana said they dispatched four fire appliances including a Hazmat command vehicle to the site.

“A gas main was struck by a workman when using a digger for some maintenance work which caused the leak. And emergency services to close the road as a precautionary measure.”

Station Road had been closed to traffic from Kamo Rd to the intersection with Farmer St.

Wirihana said they had asked some nearby residents to “shelter in place” but didn’t ask anyone to evacuate.

A police spokesperson said they assisted with traffic management and were prepared to help people with any evacuations.

Motorists in the area were advised to expect delays and take detours. The road reopened at 12.14pm.

Avneesh Vincent is the crime and emergency services reporter at the Advocate. He was previously at the Gisborne Herald as the arts and environment reporter and is passionate about covering stories that can make a difference. He joined NZME in July 2023.