Homes, schools evacuated after gas leak

A gas leak led to home and schools being evacuated in the south Taranaki town of Hawera today.

A civil contractor operating a digger at the intersection of Waihi and South Roads damaged gas pipes, owned by Powerco, about 1.15pm.

South Taranaki District Council Gerard Langford told NZPA residents from 20 houses, a preschool and a kura kaupapa were ordered to clear the area.

They were able to return about 4.30pm when the pipes were repaired.

Powerco Network operations manager Ross Dixon said the leak had now been contained .

- NZPA