Source of leak found in downtown London, fire department deems area safe
Lighting of the Lights planned for Friday evening in Victoria Park as fire crews have deemed the area impacted by the natural gas leak downtown now safe.
Natural gas levels "within explosive limits" were detected in downtown Friday afternoon, according to London fire.
The leak resulted in evacuations of homes and businesses as well as road closures on Wellington Street between Dundas Street and Dufferin Avenue and Queens Avenue between Waterloo and Colborne Streets.
All residents and businesses evacuated can now return.
London fire told CTV News contractors working in the area smelled gas escaping from a manhole cover on Queens Avenue and immediately contacted emergency services.
The gas was found to be leaking underground into utility and hydro vaults along Queens Avenue.
“We’ve done home by home and business inspections of each property to ensure no gas has migrated into any of those homes or businesses," said London fire Platoon Chief Gary Mosburger.
Enbridge discovered the source of the leak and brought in specialized equipment to ventilate the vaults.
City officials say the intersection at Queens Ave. and Waterloo St. will remain closed while crews finalize work.
— With files from CTV News London's Daryl Newcombe
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.

U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
'It's devastating': Homeless Canadians at risk as Eastern Canada endures extreme cold, advocates say
As the majority of Eastern Canada stays indoors during an extreme cold weather alert, homeless shelters are struggling to keep up with the demand from unhoused people as temperatures continue to drop.
Extreme cold can bring frostbite and hypothermia. Here are the symptoms to watch for
Canadians will continue to bundle up in the country's east this weekend as a recent bout of extreme cold persists in much of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at the signs and symptoms for frostbite and hypothermia to watch for if exposed to extreme cold.
China says it strongly opposes U.S. move to shoot down balloon
China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition towards the United States' use of force to attack its airship.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Federal government asking RCMP to ban use of sponge rounds, CS gas for crowd control
The federal government says it wants the RCMP to ban the use of two crowd-control tools that forces across the country say they have in their arsenals: sponge rounds and CS gas.
Extremely cold temperatures prolong cold weather alerts for much of Eastern Canada
A cold snap that triggered Environment Canada alerts involving eight provinces and territories extended into a second day on Saturday, shattering several past temperature records and leaving thousands of customers in Atlantic Canada without power.
Toronto named as host city for 2024 NHL all-star game
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday the league's 2024 showcase will be played in Toronto for the ninth time.