Residents allowed to return after ‘significant’ gas leak prompts evacuations in Kirkland Lake

No one was injured after an area of Kirkland Lake had to be evacuated Thursday as officials dealt with a sudden leak of natural gas.

A gas leak that prompted evacuations in Kirkland Lake has been dealt with, officials said Thursday afternoon.

The affected area was on Government Road between Water Lane and Lebel Avenue, where there was a heavy police presence, Ontario Provincial Police said.

“The heavy police presence on Government Road West between Water Lane and Lebel Avenue in Kirkland Lake has cleared, and residents and businesses have been advised to return to their locations,” police said around 2:30 p.m.

“No injuries were reported. Government Road West between Wood Street and McCamus Avenue remains closed for further investigation by the local fire service.”

Shut off the gas

“Kirkland OPP thanks the public for their patience and cooperation,” police added.

Earlier in the day, municipal officials said Kirkland Lake Fire Services, Hydro One and Enbridge were at the scene to “manage the significant gas leak in the Woods Street area.”

But in a later update, the municipality said that “Enbridge has successfully managed to turn off the gas and are working to make the necessary repairs to resume service to the affected area.”

“Government Road has reopened and residents are now able to return to their homes,” the update said.

“Woods Street from Government Road to McCamus remains closed at this time.