Hundreds Evacuated after Gas Leak at Sydney Opera House
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A gas leak at the Sydney Opera House has forced the evacuation of 500 people from the area.
Fire crews were called to the building in Sydney's CBD and set up a 100-metre exclusion zone about 3pm on Tuesday after a small excavator hit a gas line, a Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman told AAP.
Five hundred people have been evacuated from the Opera House concourse area and adjoining restaurants while firefighters in protective gear monitor the gas levels and the line is cleaned up.
Fire and Rescue NSW alerted the public via Twitter, saying: “Approx 500 people have been evacuated from the concourse and adjoining restaurants.”
“Gas company is at work and firefighters are monitoring atmosphere for gas levels.”
Macquarie Street was closed in both directions, and motorists were advised to take an alternate route through Albert Street, News.com.au reported
The problem gas main was hit during construction, according to 2GB reporter Tamara Wearne.
“People have been evacuated from the building, part of the Botanic Gardens and a nearby residential block,” she posted to Twitter.
“NSW Police have blocked off the forecourt. Still a strong smell of gas.”