Two daycares evacuated after gas leak leads to fire on Montreal's South Shore

Three city workers were injured and two daycares were evacuated after a gas leak led to an explosion and two vehicle fires on Montreal's South Shore Wednesday.

The workers' injuries were minor and treated on-site, according to Longueuil police (SPAL). There were no injuries among the roughly 110 children or 30 residents who were rushed to nearby locations after the explosion.

Police say the fire started when city workers in the area accidentally ruptured a gas pipe, which caused an explosion at around 10 a.m. on Curé-Poirier West Boulevard and Cartier Street.

An excavator and Energir service van caught fire, and a hydro line was damaged, according to Longueuil firefighters.

Children attending the Pierrot La Lune and Mon empreinte à moi daycares were relocated.

"A few kids, they couldn't take it. They were crying, so we made them understand, and everyone is safe, so we are okay," said daycare worker Nilu Wazir.

Multiple homes in the area were also evacuated.

"I was just sipping on my morning coffee, enjoying my morning, and then, suddenly, there was a burst, a huge one, that was vibrating my apartment and I was like, 'What's this?!'" said Alexis Donati, who lives in the area.

Energir natural gas company said the break was caused by a "third party that reached the underground natural gas line while excavating."

The company said technical teams worked to clamp the pipe and cut off the gas supply to the area. It said there was no migration of natural gas underground.

Electricity was cut to clients in the area, and a dozen natural gas customers were affected.

The flames were extinguished after 1 p.m., and the road has since been reopened.