DISASTER was averted at Kerang Technical High School on Friday thanks to quick-thinking staff and contractors and well-trained emergency services volunteers.
The school was evacuated when contractors using an excavator to demolish the former mathematics and student support wing accidentally caused a gas pipe to rupture.
The Kerang Fire Brigade was called immediately while students and staff moved onto McLeod Oval, south and downstream of the gas leak.
A strong smell of gas was evident when emergency services arrived at the scene.
Fire brigade incident commander, Lieutenant Lee Guest said contractors and staff had acted quickly and turned off the cylinder, stopping the circulation of gas through the pipe.
He said approximately 100 metres of pipe had to “vent” before the leak could be repaired.
“We ran a fog over the leak while it vented so there were no ignition issues,” he said.
A plumber was then able to patch the pipe, allowing students to return to class at 11.45am.
Lieutenant Guest said there were no cases of gas inhalation.
Police commander, Acting Sergeant Andrew Neil said that emergency services responded promptly.
“The school activated its evacuation procedure and the movement of staff and students was carried out efficiently,” he said.
“The fire brigade was able to isolate the leak and douse it before it was repaired.”
