Residents evacuated after digger hits gas line in Taupō return home

Residents evacuated from their properties inTaupō this afternoon after a digger struck a gas line can now return home.

The leak, reported on Harakeke Drive in Wharewaka about 7km south of the main township, was reported to emergency services shortly after midday.

Police said officers were called to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand after a digger hit a gas line.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said crews received a report of a gas leak from a residential gas line at 11.35am.

They said three crews from Kinloch, Lake Taupō and Tokoroa were at the scene.

At around 2.20pm, police advised evacuated residents they could return home.

“We thank the public for their cooperation and patience.”