‘Major’ gas leak partially shuts Hamilton street, schools in lockdown

Hamilton’s Clyde St is partially closed due to a major gas leak.

Police said the road was cordoned between Firth St and Grey St.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and expect delays around the surrounding areas.

“Nearby schools have been placed into lockdown as a precaution.”

Marian Catholic School and Sacred Heart Girls’ College are on this section of Clyde St.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand senior station officer Colin Klenner said there had been a major rupture of a gas line at a construction site.

The cordon at the Clyde St and Grey St intersection. Photo / Maryana Garcia

“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.

Fire and Emergency staff have cordoned the site of a major gas leak on Clyde St in Hamilton. Photo / Maryana Garcia

“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 while work to fix the gas leak continues.

“You are welcome to pick up your children I you want to,” the message said.

“Please collect your child and then sign them out at the office.”

A section of Hamilton’s Clyde St has been closed due to a gas leak. Photo / Maryana Garcia

An 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 was closed to all students.

“If the issue continues to the end of the school day we will update you via email and social media about alternatives to pick-up areas and bus stops.”

More to come.

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.