Evacuation orders have now been lifted for residents in the city’s east-end after crews capped a significant gas leak at the entrance to Michael Garron Hospital’s emergency department.

Construction crews working outside the hospital at Coxwell and Mortimer avenues ruptured a natural gas line at around 9:30 this morning.  Deputy Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop says there was no risk to the hospital, nearby schools nor residents.

“The wind was on our side today, most importantly the immediate actions of our staff working collaboratively with Michael Garron and Toronto Police services and our colleagues at Toronto Paramedic Services is we were able to shut off the intakes to the hospital which prevented gas getting in,” said Jessop.

Michael Garron Hospital officials say that while incoming emergency patients were diverted to other hospitals they did not need to move patients already inside and the hospital remains fully operational.