Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - Megan Turcato Gas leak evacuations

Update 3:30 p.m. - The gas leak is now under control and evacuees are being let back into their homes.

1:30 p.m.: FortisBC is now on the scene of a natural gas leak after a third party contractor, who was digging in the area, struck a half-inch underground service line.

For safety reasons, 32 homes in the area have been evacuated by the police and fire department. 

Residents say the City of Kelowna, was working to put in new sidewalks.

A nearby school was warned not to let the children outside until the situation was under control.

A spokesperson for FortisBC says two technicians are working to fix the leak. 

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An excavator has struck a natural gas line forcing residents to be evacuated.

The line was broken at Highland Drive North and Pinecrest.

Highland North is blocked at Spall.

RCMP say at least five homes have been evacuated.

Residents will have to stay out of their homes for at least an hour and a half while repairs are carried out.

There are no reports of injuries.

Photo: Contributed - Megan Turcato