A GAS leak has prompted an evacuation around South Yarra’s Chapel St including the popular Jam Factory.

Workmen ruptured the 50mm high pressure gas supply line in Garden St at about 9.50am.

MFB crews are closing the affected area and evacuating people nearby.

The Jam Factory has been evacuated and its carpark closed.

Massive #gasleak on garden street, south yarra. Won't be going back to work for a few hours... pic.twitter.com/4BJbQtdDYC — Nicholas Sheehan (@sheehaq) May 12, 2017

Firefighters are using water “fog lines” to disperse the gas cloud until the utility company is able to isolate the supply line, the MFB said.

A community warning has been issued.

The public is asked to avoid the area.

Adam Laurie, managing director of nearby business Digital360, said: “Our office building was right opposite the leak. We’re on the third floor, and the smell of gas was quite strong, then police came and told us to evacuate.”

“I’m not sure when we can get back in the building, so now we’re making the most of the day down at the pub.”

More than a dozen firefighters are at the scene.

Police are assisting.