Around two hundred people have been evacuated from buildings at Ferndown Industrial Estate after a vehicle struck a small gas main.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it received a call at 12.14pm this afternoon following reports of the incident.
Crews from Ferndown and Wimborne were sent to the scene near SUBWAY, with Dorset Police and gas engineers also in attendance.
A 25 metre exclusion zone has been put in place while emergency services work to make the area safe. Entrances at Cobham Road at the A31, and Wimborne Road, were being controlled by Police.
A number of businesses on the industrial estate have announced emergency closures for the afternoon as the incident continues.
A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call at 12.14pm this afternoon with reports that a vehicle had struck a small gas main on Ferndown Industrial Estate.
“Crews from Ferndown and Wimborne are currently in attendance along with Dorset Police and the Gas Board.
“A 25m exclusion zone is in place and 200 people have been evacuated whilst the area is made safe.”
People are being advised to avoid the affected area while the emergency response continues.
Ferndown Industrial Estate has previously been described by Dorset Council as the largest employment area in the district, covering 57.34 hectares and home to more than 400 businesses. SGN says emergency gas pipe repairs can sometimes require short-notice works or traffic measures where safety is at stake.
