HALIFAX - As many as 50 buildings have been evacuated in a Halifax-area business park because of a natural gas leak.
The city says construction crews working in Burnside in Dartmouth punctured a four-inch natural gas main pipe.
It says readings taken in the area at the intersection of Joseph Zatzman Drive and Akerley Boulevard show high explosive levels, particularly around storm sewer openings.
Fire and emergency crews are on the scene, as well as natural gas company Heritage Gas, in an attempt to stop the flow of gas.
Nova Scotia Power has also shut off electricity to a large section of the park.
City spokesman Brendan Elliott says a company hired by the municipality for a sidewalk project punctured the line while excavating.
He would not disclose the name of the company involved and deferred further questions to the fire department.
Halifax Regional Police are on the scene directing traffic, but Const. Pierre Bourdages said he could not comment further.