Wellington chemical leak: Residents evacuated in Kelburn as emergency services respond

Emergency services are responding to reports of a chemical leak in Central Wellington this evening. Photo / Brad Roberts

Emergency services are responding to reports of a chemical leak in Central Wellington this evening, where residents have been evacuated.

Police have evacuated about 50 people from a roughly 200m perimeter around the area since the first reports were received shortly before 9pm.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were responding to a “hazardous substance” on Salamanca Rd in Kelburn this evening.

”We have set up a command point and are investigating.

“At this stage the substance has not been identified. It is reported to be odourless.”

People are asked to avoid the area around the intersection of Salamanca Rd and Kelburn Parade.

Cordons are in place on Salamanca Rd. Photo / Brad Roberts

A police spokesperson said: “cordons are in place on Salamanca Rd in Kelburn as emergency services respond to a potential gas leak”.

A Northland resident was travelling home on the bus when it was pulled over by police.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We’ve just been told there was a massive gas leak along either Upland or Salamanca road and a few people have fallen over because of it.

“Both cops and fire were there blocking the road off.”

Anyone in the area that is feeling unwell should call 111 without delay.

The emergency response is unfolding less than 1km from where several people in a Victoria University science lab were evacuated at the end of January following a chemical leak.

Five fire appliances, including a Hazmat unit and a command unit, rushed to Victoria University on January 28 after an incident at its Kelburn campus.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Chris Dalton told NZME an alarm had gone off at the university.

A chemical spill at Vic uni has meant Police have closed intersection of Kelburn Parade, Fairlie Tce and Glasgow so alternative routes recommended in meantime.

— Wellington City Council (@WgtnCC) January 28, 2024

“People at the university reported strange smells and banging noises coming from one of the science labs. It appears to be some sort of reaction,” Dalton said.

Public health staff also attended the incident.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.