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UPDATE 4.30pm
The PSPA has now been revoked.
EARLIER
Queensland Police have made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) due to a gas leak in Cairns.
Just before 1pm, an underground gas main was ruptured by workers carrying out earthworks in the vicinity of Grove and Sheridan Streets.
A 100-metre exclusion zone has been set up, which includes road closures.
As a precaution, power has also been switched off across four suburbs, while people in nearby businesses or homes are being told to remain indoors.
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“Crews are working to disperse the gas using water sprays,” a spokesperson for the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service told Tropic Now.
“Nearby residents should avoid the area and motorists are asked to seek alternative routes.”
Multiple Fire and Rescue Service crews are on scene, along with police and paramedics.
Ergon Energy has switched off power supply in response to a request from emergency services.
Almost 2,500 residents and businesses are affected in Cairns City, Cairns North, Manunda and Parramatta Park.
Main points
- A gas main has been ruptured during earthworks in Cairns North
- Sheridan Street is among the roads closed, while electricity has been switched off to nearby properties
- A 100-metre exclusion zone has been established as firefighters work to disperse the gas
