People living near New Cross Road were cleared from their homes shortly after 10pm yesterday (July 9), after the leak.
The London Fire Brigade says that around 100 people were cleared from the area, with gas company SGN saying this involved 80 properties.
Emergency services joined SGN after reports of a person smelling gas in the area.
Investigations have been taking place and showed that an electrical fault damaged one of the service pipes, causing the leak.
SGN says that it is still working to remove the gas in the properties, and people affected will be unable to return until this is clear.
It is unable to provide a rough estimate as to how long this will take.
New Cross Road is closed both ways due to the gas leak between Florence Road and Deptford Bridge.
Traffic can go east from Deptford High Street, but there is no access westbound past Deptford Bridge.
Four bus routes are being diverted from the area; the 53, 177, 225 and 453.
While many properties were cleared, Chairbears Day Nursery which is just outside the cordon was able to still let children in.
Ellie Tillett, the managing director, said that staff arrived at 7.15am and was met with the taped-off roads and emergency services.
It was confirmed the nursery was outside the cordon and “safe to remain open”.
“Some chose to keep their children home, while others took up the option to delay drop-off slightly, which helped us manage staffing and ensure a calm, smooth start.
“We’re so proud of our team—many of whom left home over an hour early or jumped in Ubers to make sure they could arrive safely and be here for our families.”
Simon Collins, spokesperson for SGN, said: “We were called to New Cross Road in London, SE14 6TQ, yesterday evening after a member of the public reported a smell of gas.
“Investigations showed that an electrical fault had damaged one of our service pipes, leading to a significant gas leak.
“Our engineers made the situation safe although 80 properties had to be evacuated.
“We’ve worked alongside partners from the police, fire and local authority, who are supporting residents who have been impacted.
“We’re still working to remove the gas in the properties and until this is complete, those affected are unable to return.
“Currently we’re unable to say how long this will take, however we are working with all local agencies to keep customers informed and supported.
“New Cross Road has been closed as part of the response to this incident, with a diversion in place.”
