It was a tense night for residents of Tyndall, Manitoba after a serious crash led to a massive gas leak.

A vehicle travelling north on Road 35 East crossed the west side ditch and drove into a natural gas distribution centre rupturing the gas line around 9:15 p.m. Thursday, November 7. It sent natural gas pouring into the atmosphere.

Area residents described the sound of the gas escaping, like a howling sound.

Police and fire personnel could not immediately approach the vehicle because it was unsafe. Hydro crews arrived on the scene and turned off the gas to the area. They also shut off power to the community, as there was a hydro pole with an electrical transformer above the crash site.

Around 10 homes were evacuated to the town's curling club due to safety concerns.

By 3:30 a.m. on November 8, the gas leak was contained and officers were given the green light to approach the vehicle. No one was found occupying the vehicle and there are no injuries to report. The vehicle was later reported stolen by the owner.

Hydro crews have now brought in a compressed natural gas supply in an effort to restore gas to the community. Once the gas supply is hooked up, crews will circulate throughout the town to begin relights.

As a result of the gas leak, classes at Gillis School in Tyndall have been cancelled for Friday as a precaution.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Beausejour RCMP at 204-268-2612.