Bridgnorth High Street evacuated following gas leak
Bridgnorth High Street was evacuated following a gas leak on Monday afternoon.
A strong smell of gas was reported by a number of people at just before 2pm. Business, shops and properties were evacuated.
A fault in an electrical cable sat above a gas pipe is believed to have caused a small explosion which ruptured a gas main according to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Cadnet engineers isolated the leak but the area remained closed off whilst the gas was allowed to naturally clear before work to repair the cable and pipe could take place.
On Monday evening the majority of residents were allowed to return to their homes with Western Power engineers working to restore electricity.
A small cordon was set to remain in place overnight with several residents being housed for the evening by Bridgnorth Town Council.
Superintendent Jon Marsden said: "The gas leak in Bridgnorth High Street has been isolated, the cordon has been scaled down and the majority of residents from the area are now able to return home.
"Those that aren't able to return to their homes are being kept informed of developments and have been housed for the evening by Bridgnorth Town Council.
"I am pleased to say there have been no casualties during the incident and I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and understanding the need for us to secure the leak and make the area safe.
"This has involved many agencies from across the area including local authority, fire service, NHS, gas and electricity companies. I would like to thank all those involved for pulling together to respond quickly to the incident."
This is believed to be the cause of the problem. A fault in an electrical cable sat above the gas pipe caused a small explosion which ruptured the gas main. Apparently It’s very rare for this kind of damage to occur. We have been incredibly lucky it didn’t ignite the gas pic.twitter.com/y2mMPl4PjL https://twitter.com/SFRS_Bridgnorth/status/1130618063483748352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Latest update from Bridgnorth High Street. Gas leak has now been isolated and natural ventilation is taking place to make the scene safe. All public please avoid the area for the next couple of hours as there is still residual gas in the area. https://twitter.com/SFRS_JT/status/1130503397348708353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
