Sydney Opera House evacuated due to gas leak

Firefighters evacuated patrons from the iconic Sydney Opera House on Sunday afternoon following troubling reports of a gas leak.

The Sydney Opera House had to be evacuated on Sunday after a fault in its fire safety system caused a gas leak.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews rushed to the scene after emergency services were notified about a strong gas smell about 2.15pm Sunday.

Emergency services at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Damian Shaw

About 20 firefighters using HAZMAT detection equipment attended the scene.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Luke Unsworth said investigations uncovered that the gas leak had come from the building’s suppression system, or sprinkler system.

The gas leak is thought to be in the basement area. Picture: Damian Shaw

“A fault allowed nitrogen from the system out and that was the smell,” he said.

The exact location of the leak had not been determined but it was understood to be in a basement area, not accessible to the public, Superintendent Unsworth said.

The leak in the suppression system happened at a “back of house” area and it was primarily staff who had to evacuate the building.

People were evacuated after the strong smell was noticed. Picture: Damian Shaw

“Fortunately no shows were on to be interrupted,” Fire and Rescue NSW tweeted.

NSW Police were also at the scene to assist fire crews.

A spokesperson for the Opera House was also contacted for comment.

More to come.