Emergency crews at the scene of a suspected chemical leak in central Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston
About 50 people who were evacuated from their homes in central Wellington after a suspected chemical leak have now been allowed to return home.
Emergency services were alerted to the problem around the intersection of Salamanca Road and Kelburn Parade shortly before 9pm.
There were reports of a strong chemical smell and a misty cloud were seen earlier at a property on the road, and that property was evacuated because the occupants had trouble breathing and started coughing.
Everyone within a roughly 200 metre perimeter were forced to leave their properties, but the cordon opened at about 10.45pm.
The substance has not been identified, although the police had described it as a potential gas leak.
No trace of any gas or other chemical was found.
People are being asked to avoid the area and anyone who feels unwell should phone 111 immediately.
