23 May 2024 | 04:41 AM UTC
New Zealand: Emergency crews responding to gas leak at Strand Arcade shopping mall in Auckland May 23
Road closures ongoing due to gas leak at Strand Arcade shopping mall in Auckland, New Zealand, May 23. Avoid the area.
Authorities are enforcing road closures and traffic diversions in response to a gas leak at Strand Arcade shopping mall in Auckland's central business district (CBD) as of the afternoon of May 23. Officials have evacuated the mall and closed the nearby Queen Street. The cause of the incident is unclear. There are no immediate reports of casualties.
Heightened security measures and associated traffic disruptions will likely continue in the affected area until authorities give the all-clear. Officials may expand evacuation orders to other nearby buildings as a precaution.
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Confirm bus schedules. Follow all security personnel instructions, including any evacuation orders. Consider moving to a well-ventilated area, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from gas or smoke exposure. Eye and skin irritation are possible; flush irritated areas with copious amounts of clean water.
