Thousands of people have been urgently evacuated from buildings in the center London after a reported gas leak.
London Fire Brigade remains at the scene of a suspected gas leak on Southwark Street, near the junction with Great Suffolk Street.
About 2,000 people have been evacuated from ‘several buildings’ as a precaution, while a large cordon is in place. No injuries have been reported.
Many of them are office workers, but people staying in a nearby hotel have also had to leave the premises.
The gas company is also currently on site to assess the situation on site.
Traffic is also said to be very heavy and residents and workers are advised to avoid the area.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from buildings in central London after a gas leak
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Firefighters are assisting at the scene of a gas leak on Southwark Street in Southwark this afternoon (June 5).
“Gas engineers are currently on scene assessing the incident. They are working on the roadway as they attempt to isolate the leak and make the affected area safe.
‘Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from surrounding buildings as a precaution.
‘A significant number of those evacuated have now left the area. The remainder are currently being assisted and cared for by firefighters, other colleagues from the service and staff from a nearby hotel. There are no reports of injuries at this time.
‘A cordon remains in place and Southwark Street is currently closed between the junctions of Great Suffolk Street and Bear Street, towards Blackfriars Road. Traffic has been severely disrupted and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident continues.
‘The Brigade was called at 1403. Three fire engines are still on scene.’
This is a breaking story. More to follow.
