A gas line has ruptured near Rupert Street and Mountain Highway in North Vancouver, and police are asking that everyone avoid the area.
Fortis BC has temporarily shut off gas for around 320 customers to make needed repairs.
Mountain Highway was closed to pedestrians and motorists from Bond to Crown Street on Monday afternoon for public safety, said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for North Vancouver RCMP.
Fire crews and Fortis BC workers are on the scene, he said.
Connecting side streets have been closed, and five nearby properties have been evacuated.
"Everyone should be avoiding the closure, especially pedestrians and motorists," Sahak said. "Don’t go to side streets."
The section of road is anticipated to be closed for "several hours," he said.
Police aren't aware of any related injuries at this time, Sahak said.
A gas main was damaged earlier on Monday by an external party, a Foris BC spokesperson said.
"Our crews are onsite to make the necessary repairs and expect to complete repairs later this evening," she said. "We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience as we work safely and as quickly as possible to complete repairs."
Once the gas is turned off and repairs are underway, Fortis plans to partially open Mountain Highway, according to an update from the District of North Vancouver.
