Driver flees the scene of house, gas meter struck in London

Gas leak in downtown London Thousands lost power after a vehicle crashed into a building, causing a gas leak. CTV London's Sean Irvine reports.

Power has been restored and a gas leak isolated after a vehicle struck a building in London Wednesday morning and fled the scene.

Police, fire, Enbridge and London Hydro responded to the area of Ridout Street north and Fullarton Street around 3 a.m. for what was being called a "significant event."

“Crews observed a vehicle that had struck a building with potential for a gas leak there on the gas meter. Potential also for reports of wires down in the area to which added to the hazard,” said London fire Deputy Chief, Matt Hepditch.

He said fire crews were initially kept back from the scene until it was safe to approach.

With about 16 firefighters on scene until 5:30 a.m., people in a nearby high-rise were told to shelter in place and close all windows.

“The gas is obviously in the air. We want to make sure that we're eliminating any potential ignition sources in the area to avoid an explosion,” Hepditch added.

Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton — power had been turned off to about 3,000 customers in the area to eliminate ignition sources

According to a property managment company for 470 Ridout St., the building is empty and 472 Ridout St. is office space.

— With files from CTV News London's Sean Irvine