Gas leak in Bethlehem

Updated: 2.10pm:

Residents of Orange Lane were evacuated and others were left waiting outside safety cordons after a gas main was ruptured about 12.30pm.

Dave Burnett said there had been a gas leak on the Bethlehem road yesterday but it hadn't generated such a large response.

He said workers putting in ultra-fast broadband cables had broken the gas main.

"They closed off the road, just put a couple of cones, and took them away about half an hour later.

"It was a really strong smell, it went right through the whole house."

Mr Burnett said he was surprised emergency services weren't called to the gas leak yesterday.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus could be seen spraying water from their hoses.

40-week pregnant Justine Eden was stuck in her car at the corner of St Andrews and Orange Lane for over an hour.

Mrs Eden was expecting to go into labour at any moment and wasn't thrilled about not being able to go home.

"I want to go home and have an afternoon sleep because you never know when you're going to go into labour," she said.
 

Updated: 12.52pm:

A reporter on the scene said Orange Drive is blocked off at Huntington Drive.

There are three fire trucks and a Hazmet truck in the street.

He understands the leak was caused by workers who are installing ultrafast broadband lines. 

Earlier:

Houses in Bethlehem are being evacuated in response to a gas leak.

Fire service northern communications shift manager Colin Underdown said a 50mm gas main had been ruptured by workmen on Orange Lane.

He said the fire service was at the scene and houses were being evacuated while firefighters worked to isolated the gas supply.

Police are also assisting in evacuating the area.