Streets closed, buildings evacuated after 1000L chemical spill in Gore

Streets and nearby buildings have been evacuated following a 1000L chemical spill in Gore.

Emergency services were called to the spill at Mainfreight on Oldham St around 2.05pm.

“Surrounding businesses have been evacuated as a precaution,” police said.

Fire and Emergency NZ said two crews from Gore and a Hazmat unit and specialist vehicle from Invercargill were called to the scene.

In an update this evening, Fire and Emergency said the spill came from a truck on the Mainfreight premises.

“We are now 3/4 of the way through diluting the liquid which has taken time and care due to its caustic nature,” a spokesperson said.

“There is no danger to people, but businesses in the area were evacuated.”

Police have closed Oldham St and Gorton St and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.