Evacuation!

By Paul Dunlop
A GAS scare yesterday saw more than 100 people evacuated from Pakenham’s Toomuc Reserve sports complex.
Indoor stadium staff, mums playing midweek netball with children in the stadium’s creche, and workers on the aquatic centre job site left the area as a safety precaution after a gas main was ruptured by a backhoe working nearby.
The area around the sports complex was sealed off while authorities responded to the emergency call.
Pakenham police and CFA units from Pakenham, Toomuc, Nar Nar Goon, Berwick and Narre Warren attended the incident after it was reported about 10.40am.
Police sergeant David Smith said gas could be heard hissing from the breached main and there was a strong smell in the air when authorities arrived.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus while they stopped the leak. The Environmental Protection Authority and Cardinia Shire Council were also notified.
The area was declared safe just after noon with Sgt Smith saying the situation was resolved without mishap.
He said the drama emphasised the value of having a welldrilled emergency plan.
He praised indoor stadium staff and others involved in the evacuation on the smooth running of the operation.
“With an easterly breeze blowing it was felt best to evacuate the area and it worked very well,” Sgt Smith said.
“It was a precautionary measure and it all ended safely.”
Stadium director Wright Paterson said the incident had been a surprise but said it was quickly back to normal at the indoor complex.
Mr Paterson said the evacuation was the first ‘real’ one he had been involved in and was pleased that everything went to plan.
He said staff were well drilled in emergency procedures and stadium users had taken it in their stride.
“It all went smoothly.
“We went out to the athletics area and waited for the all clear.
“Everyone was pretty goodhumoured,” he said.
“We were back inside after an hour or so and now it’s back to business as usual.”