Location: Bootle
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is currently in attendance on Cambridge Road, Bootle, following reports of a smell of gas in the area.
Crews were alerted at 8.40am and on scene at 8.45am. Two fire engines are in attendance.
A nursery school, a children’s centre and some nearby residential properties have been evacuated as a precaution and local residents have been advised to close their windows.
Utilities to the premises have been isolated and ventilation is taking place. Cadent are also in attendance and cordons have been put in place.
The incident is ongoing. Please avoid the area.
INCIDENT UPDATE 2.30pm
An investigation has revealed that an underground electrical fault has ruptured the gas main in the road. Cadent are in attendance and are venting the gas and monitoring gas levels in Bedford Primary School and Cambridge Nursery which are showing low levels of gas. Merseyside Police are in attendance assisting with the safety cordon at the scene.
A multi-agency meeting has taken place with MFRS, Cadent Gas and Scottish Power to ascertain the best plan of action to dig to access the best site where the problem can be isolated. This point has been found at a sub-station and a safe system of work is in place whereby cadent are continuing to monitor the area as work progresses to resolve the issue, fire crews are stood by with extinguishers and main branch hoses as a precaution.
Properties along the road have been isolated by Scottish Power, the source of the leak has been found and is in the process of being isolated by Cadent. Cadent have confirmed that MFRS are no longer required at the scene and the scene has been handed over to them as just before 2pm, they will confirm when residents will be able to return to their homes.