Second gas main strike hits busy Newmarket road in a week

A gas main has been struck on one of Auckland’s busiest roads in Newmarket for the second time in a week.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told the Herald they received a report of a gas main strike on Khyber Pass Rd this afternoon.

The incident was reported at 12.44pm, and two fire engines responded.

The spokesperson said crews have clamped the gas pipe and are continuing to assist the gas authority.

Auckland University students received an alert this afternoon regarding the “safety incident”.

Students and staff were warned of delays on multiple routes in the area because of the gas leak.

Police said there was an earlier gas leak because of contracting works, however this had now been resolved.

This follows a similar incident on the road last Tuesday.

Emergency services have cordoned off part of Khyber Pass Rd in Auckland's Newmarket after a reported hazardous gas incident.

Police said the gas main was struck last week while work was being carried out, prompting a response from police and Fire and Emergency and closing the thoroughfare for hours.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said it was accidentally struck during kerb removal works, which triggered the leak and evacuation.