London Fire Brigade. Photo: Shutterstock Firefighters have been called to The Cut in Waterloo, London, after an 18-inch gas main ruptured in the roadway.
Around 400 office workers and 200 people from a nearby theatre have been evacuated as a precaution while emergency crews remain at the scene.
The London Fire Brigade was called at 2:21 p.m. and has sent three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Dowgate, Lambeth and Euston fire stations.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said the road has been closed from the junction of Baylis Road and The Cut to the junction of Waterloo Road and Gray Street.
"Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area," the spokesperson said.
Firefighters are continuing to deal with the incident, with the gas main rupture affecting the roadway and prompting the precautionary evacuation of nearby buildings.
Drivers and pedestrians in the Waterloo area are being advised to use alternative routes while emergency services remain on scene.
The incident is ongoing and further updates are expected as crews work to make the area safe.