Buildings evacuated at University of Toronto after gas line struck

Toronto police say that a natural gas line was struck at a University of Toronto building, prompting the evacuation of buildings in the area of Bloor Street and Spadina Avenue.

Police were called to the faculty of education building at 371 Bloor Street W. about 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

Const. Jenniferjit Sidhu says work was being done in the building when the gas leak started, and that surrounding buildings have now been evacuated.

Northbound lanes of Spadina Avenue are closed at Sussex Avenue, though streetcars are not affected because the underground tunnel that runs south from the station.

Sidhu says the leak has been capped, and that crews from Enbridge and Toronto Fire are on scene.

A strong smell of natural gas continues to linger in the area, she added.