Gas leak causes chaos across Salisbury

Wednesday, 17 April 2024 01:00

A gas leak on London Road has caused chaos across Salisbury this afternoon, closing roads and the railway line and affecting a school.

Emergency services closed London Road earlier whilst Network Rail also stopped trains running from Salisbury on the London main line causing travel chaos for thousands.

St Joseph's Secondary School in Laverstock was also affected after its alarms went off because of the gas leak, although the school had already finished for the day.

Reports suggest the gas leak was caused by a truck hitting a gas pipe. An exclusion zone has been put in place, and some people have been evacuated to a place of safety.

People are being advised to keep doors and windows closed if local, as there is a lot of gas in the air.

Wiltshire Police have announced that, "Road closures have now been lifted but there may be ongoing issues while the gas company carry out work. Trains will continue to be affected."

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was advised by SGN of a gas main leak at a site off London Road, Salisbury at 4.12pm today (17 April). Three fire crews, two from Salisbury and one from Wilton, are on scene, together with a water carrier from Andover and an incident command vehicle from Devizes.

"As a precaution, an 80m cordon has been put in place, and approx. 75 people have been evacuated to a place of safety.

"London Road is currently closed between the A30/A338 roundabout and the Hampton Park roundabout, and trains have been stopped by Network Rail and South Western Railway.

"Anyone in the immediate area may be able to smell gas in the air, so the advice is to stay indoors and keep doors/windows closed.

"DWFRS is working with other emergency services and partners to bring this incident to a conclusion as quickly as possible. Gas engineers are on scene, and attempts are underway to cap the leak so the safety precautions can be lifted."

Image: Network Rail

Traffic was diverted away from Hampton Park Roundabout causing traffic issues in Laverstock and as drivers found alternative routes through Ford, Bishopdown and other back roads.

Those travelling by train have been told they can use their tickets on alternative routes:

You can use your ticket to travel on:

GWR services between London Paddington - Exeter in both directions. GWR services between Basingstoke - Reading in both directions GWR services between Salisbury - Exeter via Westbury in both directions. London Underground services on any reasonable route between London Waterloo - London Paddington.

Network Rail has said that trains will be affected until at least the end of the day.

SGN are still working to resolve the issue caused by a third party. More updates when we get them.