UPDATE: Gas Leak Detected in Leader, Some Residents Evacuated

Update:

Around 9:00pm SaskEnergy crews were confident that the located the immediate areas of the gas leak and residents that were evacuated returned to their homes.

Crews then began drilling holes to find the exact location of the leak. According to the Town of Leader, SaskEnergy was drilling in the area where Highways 21 and 32 meet in town. For safety reasons, highway 21 heading into the Town of Leader from the highway 44 junction is currently closed to traffic. RCMP are redirecting motorists.

Original:

Since about 4:00pm this afternoon SaskEnergy crews have been in Leader searching for a gas leak. As of 7:00pm the crew was still working to locate the leak, though it does appear they've focused their search to a one-block radius.

As a safety precaution some residents have been evacuated from their homes, and officials are asking everyone to stay away from the downtown core area.

'Residents are asked to stay away from 1st Avenue East from 2nd Street West to East Road Allowance,' An alert issued by the Town of Leader says.

RCMP are asking motorist to avoid a the area where Highways 21 and 32 meet.

The evacuation is a precautionary step, and according to the Town of Leader no one is in imminent danger.

In gas leak situations SaskEnergy does ask that people avoid any open flames out door, and any situation that could result in a spark.