Gas eruption forces evacuation of downtown Leamington, Ont.

Hundreds of businesses and homes were evacuated during a major gas leak in downtown Leamington, Ont., early Saturday afternoon.

An underground natural gas line eruptednear the intersection ofErie and Mill streets, according to Ontario Provincial Policepolice.

An area of the downtown will be evacuated for several hours, including homes and businessesnear Erie Street North,Talbot Street East, Princess Street and Russell Street.

Thecontainment area is enough to keep everyone safe while the source of the leak is determined and repaired, explained Leamington Mayor John Paterson.

Emergency officials contacted him thisafternoon to inform him about the situation.

"The area has been evacuated and everyone is safe," he said.

Some restaurant workers near the containment areadid not seem alarmed.Chad Robinson at Gilligan's restauranton Erie Street just received notice from a customer about the evacuation.

"I'm not too worried," he told CBC News.

An employee at Gingerbread House restaurant said the street is blocked off right outside, but the restaurant has not been evacuated.

Police are asking people to stay away from the downtown.The cause of the leak is still unknown.

Union Gas crews are also investigating.