Gas main partially ruptured

Update 02.35:

The gas leak in Tauranga as reported earlier has now been contained and emergency services have finished at the scene.  All those evacuated have been allowed back to their work or homes and roads have now been fully opened.

A gas main has been partially ruptured by workers in the area of 16th Ave and Cameron Rd in central Tauranga.

Traffic is banked up and police are advising motorists to avoid the area.

Cameron Rd is blocked off between 15th and 17th Avenues with southbound traffic being diverted along 15th Ave towards Welcome Bay.

Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross said efforts were being made to stop the flow of gas while a reporter at the scene said there remained a strong smell of gas in the area.

Mr Glencross said commercial and residential properties in the area were being evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters and St John ambulance staff are also on scene.