UPDATE @ December 9 | Investigations are underway into an underground explosion in the heart of Surfers Paradise that has left a woman in hospital.
Queensland Police were forced to declare an emergency situation in the busy tourist hub around 6.15pm on Sunday after the blast caused a manhole at the corner of Cavill and Orchid Avenues to open up.
A woman who was walking past at the time of the explosion was swallowed by the hole, however she thankfully managed to escape with minor lower leg injuries.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.
The Public Safety Preservation Act covered boundaries encompassing Cavill Avenue, Elkhorn Ave, The Esplanade and Surfers Paradise Boulevard.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area whilst those within the exclusion zone were told to remain indoors with a strong smell of gas reported in the area.
The PSPA was lifted around 8.15pm.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blast.
EARLIER @ December 8 | An emergency declaration has been made in the heart of Surfers Paradise following a suspected underground explosion.
It happened under the footpath along Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue around 5.20pm on Sunday.
A woman aged in her 20s was injured in the incident after falling into a large hole caused by the explosion.
She suffered lower leg injuries but was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.
Police made the declaration around 6:16pm with boundaries encompassing Cavill Avenue, Elkhorn Ave, The Esplanade and Surfers Paradise Boulevard.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors until further notice,” Queensland Police said.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the blast.
Video footage supplied by Marcus Greig.