Police have launched an investigation after a series of underground explosions in Surfers Paradise forced the Gold Coast’s party precinct into lockdown for several hours on Sunday.
Police declared an exclusion zone and locked down a large part of Surfers after underground explosions opened up a hole in the footpath.
People were told to avoid the area and residents within the exclusion zone were ordered to stay indoors, before the lockdown was lifted on Sunday evening.
Pictures showed a large hole having opened up on the corner of Cavill Avenue.
On Sunday night police said road closures remained in place and pedestrian access was being limited on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue.
An underground explosion opened up a hole on the corner of Cavill Avenue at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Seven.
Police created an exclusion zone around Surfers Paradise before it was lifted. Picture: Supplied/Queensland Police.
One video posted online showed emergency services on the scene having taped off the street before a small bang is heard and sparks are seen spewing from a hole in the ground.
Another person on social media reporting hearing at least two explosions.
“I can’t believe what I just witnessed in surfers paradise out front of the 7/11 i almost pushed my baby in her pram over top of the explosion does anyone know what happened,” one person said on social media.
Police said they were now investigating the incident.
The Surfers Paradise area is known as a bustling tourist haven filled with bars and restaurants, and is at the heart of yearly Schoolies celebrations.