Manitoba Hydro will be restoring power in an East Kildonan neighbourhood after a downed powerline caused several evacuations.

At 3:33 a.m. in the 1000 block of Roch Street, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WPS) responded to a call about a fire outside.

When arriving, crews discovered the cause of the fire was a downed power line that had caused an underground natural gas leak, creating an underground fire.

The WFPS says the severed line released gas below ground but was being released above ground as it burnt, creating flames. Needing extra help, attending crews called for assistance.

Extra WFPS crews arrived, helping to evacuate neighbouring homes, bringing them to a Winnipeg Transit bus to provide shelter. Manitoba Hydro then arrived, capping the gas line. This stopped the fire.

Next, hydro crews got to work repairing the downed power line. They, along with WFPS personnel, took gas readings, noting that no gas entered any of the nearby buildings. 

Manitoba Hydro says they have restored power to most of their customers in the area, but still have 80 in need. Crews will be on the scene until at least 11 a.m. repairing the area.

WFPS says there were no injuries.