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Welshpool gas leak drama

Fire crews are continuing to monitor the temperature of a gas cylinder that burst open at a Welshpool manufacturing plant today.

About 120 employees at the Solahart Industries factory on Pilbara Street had to be evacuated when a valve on a 2000L LPG cylinder burst about 10am.

A worker standing near the cylinder at the time was not injured.

Businesses in a 500m radius of the Solahart building were also asked to move away for their own safety.

Workers seek shade during the gas leak emergency. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian

Solahart occupational health and safety manager Tony Mendes said while there were an additional 12 cylinders located near the affected cylinder, it was his understanding they had not been damaged.

About 30 firefighters were called to the leak, primarily to help keep the tank cool to prevent possible explosions.

Pilbara Street was reopened to the public about 3.15pm, but workers were not allowed back in the factory.
Two fire crews remain on the scene this afternoon.

The cause of the leak is unknown and will be investigated once the area is declared safe.

Streets have been blocked in Welshpool as firefighters deal with a gas cylinder leak. Picture: Lincoln Baker/ The West Australian