14 Oct 2024

Three people taken to hospital after gas leak at Auckland early childhood centre

7:35 pm on 14 October 2024
Caterpillars to Butterflies early learning centre on Auckland's North Shore.

Caterpillars to Butterflies early learning centre on Auckland's North Shore. Photo: Maia Ingoe / RNZ

Three people have been taken to hospital after a gas leak from a refrigerator at an early childhood centre on Auckland's North Shore.

Emergency services were called to the Caterpillars to Butterflies centre in Hillcrest on Monday afternoon.

One person in a moderate condition and two patients in a serious condition were then transported to North Shore Hospital by ambulance.

The early learning centre's spokesperson Justin Wood said a worker was cleaning out the fridge just before midday when the gas leak happened.

Three staff were taken to hospital to be checked on, he said, and no children were harmed.

The centre remained open.

Hato Hone St John sent two rapid response units, four ambulances, and one operations manager to the scene.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said two fire trucks and one hazmat command vehicle were also sent to assist.

A Ministry of Education incident team was at the centre about noon.

Police earlier said enquiries were underway into the exact circumstances.

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