Emergency evacuation as gas leak detected near popular QLD beach

Residents have been urgently evacuated from their homes and beachgoers have been warned to stay away from the area.

An emergency declaration at a Queensland beachfront has come to an end after four hours.

Police attended a building on the Charlton Esplanade in the Hervey Bay suburb of Scarness about 9am after reports a gas leak had been detected at a nearby earthworks site.

All residents of the blocks contained inside the exclusion zone – including Charlton Esplanade, Freshwater St, Frank St and the beachfront – were evacuated.

The emergency declaration was revoked at 12.40pm with the exclusion zone reopening to the public.

An emergency has been declared on Charlton Esplanade at Scarness. Picture: QLD Police

Queensland police thanked the members of the public for their patience.

Motorists and members of the public were advised to avoid the area while emergency services respond.

Emergency crews took four hours to clear the exclusion zone as they checked to make sure all people in the area are safe.

Queensland Ambulance was on the scene but no one as yet is requiring assistance, a spokesperson said.

Local businesses took to social media to alert their customers of the emergency situation which appears to have lead to a power outage.

Emergency services are on the scene blocking off the exclusion zone. Picture: Facebook

Scarness Vet Surgery told their customers they have closed their doors for the rest of the day after the emergency situation unfolded.

“We have had to shut the clinic today due to power outage due to an emergency PSA,” a spokesperson wrote to Facebook.

The scene where a gas leak is taking place. Picture: Google Maps

They apologised for the inconvenience after being unable to contact clients to alert them to the closure.

The Bay Apartments on The Esplanade also said they are still open but may not have their power back for a while.

“Sooo this is why we may not our power back for a little guys,” they wrote to their Facebook.

They advised guests to avoid the main entrance to the apartments.

Originally published as Emergency evacuation as gas leak detected near popular QLD beach