Wakefield gas leak: Live updates as emergency services called to Kirkgate and shops evacuated
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Police have closed Kirkgate in the city centre following reports of the “sound and smell” of gas, with gas engineers working to identify the problem. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the street shortly after 11am and are standing by.
Paramedics have also been sent out to the scene. Scroll down for live updates on this breaking incident.
Live updates as emergency services called to Wakefield gas leak
Firefighters evacuate residents
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have provided an update to this ongoing incident via their Twitter page.
A spokesperson said: “The major incident at flats in Kirkgate, Wakefield continues as a gas leak has caused residents to be evacuated. Crews from Normanton and Dewsbury are attending and working with northern gas networks to isolate the supply.”
Statement from Northern Gas Networks
Northern Gas Networks has confirmed its engineers are dealing with a gas leak in Kirkgate. The area has now been made safe and repair work will start later this afternoon.
No residents have been evacuated, although local shop workers were told to leave as a precaution earlier today, according to the fire serive.
A Northern Gas Networks spokesperson said: “Our engineers are currently on site dealing with a gas escape in Kirkgate, Wakefield. The area has been made safe and preparations are now under way to start repair work later this afternoon.
“Police have closed the road temporarily as a precautionary measure while engineers carry out the work. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may be causing customers and thank everyone for their patience while we work to complete the repair as a safely and quickly as we can.”
Statement from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they were called out to Kirkgate at 11.07am following reports of a gas leak. One crew has been sent to the scene and is standing by as engineers work on the problem.
A fire spokesperson said: “Police have cordoned off the area and the gas board are in attendance after the smell and sound of gas was reported. Local shops have been evacuated.”
Kirkgate closed due to gas leak
Police have closed Kirkgate in Wakefield city centre due to a gas leak. The AA reports: “Road closed due to gas leak on Kirkgate both ways from George Street to Sun Lane.”
