Residents of the Otago town of Milton who were forced to evacuate today by a drum leaking toxic chemicals can return to their homes.
Schools in the area have also returned to normal with students and staff able to go outside.
The chemical chloropicrin - which can severely irritate eyes and breathing if exposed to – begin leaking from a drum on Chaucer Street.
Police were called to the scene at about 9.30am, before going around the neighbourhood telling residents to stay inside while several homes were evacuated.
A hazmat unit was sent to the area, along with five fire trucks and a command unit, to deal with the leak.
Tokomairiro High School principal Glenis Sim said police told them not to let students outside at lunchtime.
St Mary's School was also instructed by emergency services to keep students indoors.
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