Oil spill averted in Wellington

A major pollution incident has been averted by emergency services in Wellington over night.

A pressurised tank containing eight million litres of oil cracked and began leaking in the early hours of this morning.

Fire crews and police blocked off Ngaio Gorge Road and Perth Street, fearing an environmental catastrophe.

Senior Station Officer Paul Lyall says experts from the oil company have helped plug the leak.

He says one crew remains on standby while Mobil staff reduce the level of fuel in the tank to stop the leak.

The oil that escaped has all been contained and Department of Labour inspectors will examine the tank more closely today.

NEWSTALK ZB