Construction crews renovating a commercial building in downtown New Westminster ruptured a gas line on Monday morning.

Brent Joel, a fire inspector with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, said crews were called to 811 Carnarvon St. at 9: 22 a.m.

"The fire department did evacuate the work crew as a precaution, which is pretty standard," said Lisa Corcoran, corporate communications officer for Fortis Inc.

Construction workers who were working inside the building dropped some construction waste on a one-half-inch gas line, which then ruptured and filled the room with gas.

According to Corcoran, the incident was confined to the one building and no neighbouring properties were impacted by the gas leak. Traffic in front of the building was prohibited for about an hour while officials dealt with the leak.

"Proper protocols were followed," she said. "As soon as the gas was smelled, they evacuated."

The building is the former home of the Centre of Integration for African Immigrants.

tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com