Hundreds of people evacuated from the Sydney Opera House due to gas leak

Hundreds of Sydneysiders have been forced to evacuate the Sydney Opera House and nearby buildings after a gas line was disrupted.

Sydney Opera House. Source: I Riman

Fire crews have evacuated around 500 people from the Sydney Opera House after an excavator hit a gas line causing a leak. 

Emergency services were called on Tuesday to the iconic venue in Sydney's CBD at approximately 3pm and set up a 100-metre exclusion zone.

According to a Fire and Rescue NSW statement, fire crews were monitoring the atmosphere for gas levels.

Macquarie St and Bridge St were forced to close due to the leak, with motorists urged to allow for extra travel time.

Witnesses reported smelling a "strong smell of gas" on Twitter.

Singer and songwriter Hozier is set to perform at the venue on Tuesday night. An Opera House spokesperson said all performances were expected to proceed according to schedule.