By Benjamin Millar
Emergency crews are at the scene of a major a gas leak in Footscray.
A strong smell of gas was detected in Napier Street late Thursday afternoon after a worker broke through a high pressure gas main.
A community warning has been issued for anyone in the Napier and Cowper Street areas to move indoors or leave the area.
Local residents should close windows, turn off air-conditioning and remain inside until further notice.
Five MFB appliances including the Hazmat unit are working to secure the area and firefighters are using water streams to disperse the gas.
Residents of a nearby a residential building were evacuated and a neighbouring school was contacted to advise students not to travel towards the incident.
There are no reported injuries.
Napier Street has been closed to all foot and vehicle traffic in both directions between Hyde St and Whitehall Street. Police are on site directing traffic.
VicRoads reports there is is heavy traffic on Buckley St citybound and Footscray Road outbound over the river. Major delays have also been reported on Dynon Road, due to a collision.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
