UPDATE
A gas main that was ruptured in North Tamworth has been clamped and declared safe after fire crews were forced to evacuate nearby homes.
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Fire and Rescue NSW crews from the East Tamworth 452 brigade rushed to Piper Street about 2pm on Monday after reports workers struck a gas main while carrying out works in the street.
A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW told the Leader a number of nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution while the firefighters worked to clamp the broken gas main.
Crews managed to shut the gas off and repair the rupture.
The spokesperson said no one was injured and the area was declared safe about 4pm on Monday, after firefighters left the scene.
A spokesperson for Tamworth Regional Council said Piper Street was expected to remain closed until about 4:30pm.
![Road closed signs have been installed and traffic is being diverted away from Piper Street in North Tamworth. Picture by Rachel Clark Road closed signs have been installed and traffic is being diverted away from Piper Street in North Tamworth. Picture by Rachel Clark](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/3FRrb3AuBjKJGNhBeTSDxy/e6bbb276-bd76-4dca-87b5-ba27d71d5dbb.jpg/r140_164_1107_753_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
EARLIER
FIREFIGHTERS and council crews have shut down a busy Tamworth street after workers hit a gas main on Monday afternoon.
Traffic including school buses are being diverted around Piper Street in North Tamworth while emergency service crews work at the scene.
The street, which is a major thoroughfare for traffic getting to and from Oxley High School and Tamworth's TAFE campus, is a no go zone for all pedestrians and traffic.
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A spokesperson for Tamworth Regional Council said motorists should avoid the area.
"Please be advised, Piper Street is currently closed between Janison and Victoria Streets due to a gas main being hit," council said.
"Emergency services are on site.
"Please avoid the area if possible."
There is no estimate on when the gas service will be returned, or when the street will be reopened.
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