Gas Leak On Hastings St.

A gas leak has forced about 25 people to be evacuated from three buildings this morning.

Around 8:45 a.m. a natural gas line was broken by a construction crew working in front of an apartment complex on Hastings Street in Penticton.

The fire department responded and ordered the evacuation of two apartment buildings and a day care centre. No injuries have been reported and the gas has been shut off.

Captain Ken Fotherby says there is no danger to the area and people should be allowed to go home within an hour.

“We are just waiting for the natural gas guy to go through the buildings with his detector to ensure it is all clear, then people can go home,” says Fotherby.

He asks that the public remember to respect scenes like this by staying away.

“People get curious of course and want to stand around and watch what is happening whenever there is a large group of fire trucks in an area and that's fine, but we do ask them to keep their distance. Every time we have to stop and answer questions, it takes us away from what we are doing,” says Fotherby.