Building evacuated after reports of gas leak in Dunedin

Fire and Emergency NZ says people have been allowed to return to a building evacuated in central Dunedin on Saturday morning.

A vehicle ruptured a gas line when it crashed into a building on Cumberland Street around 4.30am.

There were no injuries in the crash but an area was evacuated as a precaution.

A baker said up to 40 people were rudely awoken by the car crash.

The Tart Tin's Cam Stickman said residents gathered beyond the cordons in blankets - with children in prams and pets in cages.

He said people were able to return to their homes and businesses a little under two hours later when the all clear was given.

Earlier, the southbound lane of State Highway 1 reopened after the crash.