Multiple roads remain closed after a major gas leak caused residents and businesses to be evacuated.
Shoppers and staff working at Costco and Home Bargains on Waterloo Road in Vauxhall had to leave the premises as a precaution this afternoon due to the gas leak. Cadent, who manage Merseyside's local gas network, said the leak was caused by damage to one of its gas pipes during works off Waterloo Road.
Cadent said no one was injured during the incident. Road closures were put in place on Waterloo Road, Oil Street, Vandries Street and Paisley Street. Multi-agency meetings have now taken place between the fire service, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council to establish a plan of action.
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Gas monitoring is still in place at the site and people are being asked to avoid the area. In an update this afternoon Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Cadent are isolating the mains so natural gas venting can take place and a dig team can access and repair the leak. The incident is ongoing, please continue to avoid the area."
Merseyside Police said there is no estimated time scale for the removal of the road closures and evacuations in the area.
In an update this afternoon, Paula Steer, North West network director for Cadent, said: “One of our gas pipes was damaged earlier today during works off Waterloo Road, causing a leak. Our engineers were on site quickly and, as a precaution, we asked for emergency service assistance to help evacuate Costco and Home Bargains (which are nearby), and assist us in closing roads while we assessed the situation.
"To avoid any concern or speculation, nobody has been hurt and the swift actions of many has ensured we keep everyone safe. We will be isolating the damaged pipe from the network. This will not have any impact on gas supply to the local area.
"Our concern in a situation like this, is that people may opt not to report a smell of gas - assuming it's all connected to this incident. It may not be, so you must still call the national gas emergency service if you smell gas, day or night. The number is 0800 111 999. All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
"I would like to thank everyone for the fast response to this situation, from the emergency services to people in shops nearby. This has ensured everyone is safe."
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