Train services disrupted after gas leak in Salisbury
Around 75 people were evacuated from their homes last night (17th April)
Last updated 18th Apr 2024
Train services through Salisbury are continuing to be disrupted this afternoon, following a major gas leak.
75 people were evacuated from their homes yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 17th April) when someone digging ruptured a pipe off London Road.
They have since been able to return.
The gas leak itself has now been fixed.
SGN spokesperson, Waseem Hanif, has given us an update (as of 6.20pm):
"We’re continuing to carry out emergency repairs to our gas main in London Road, Salisbury, which was damaged by a third party yesterday.
"Our specialist engineering team has just now finished completing a very complex operation to make the situation safe and stop gas leaking from our network.
"However, the railway line between Salisbury and Andover will remain closed until we’ve finished carrying out essential safety checks. Only after these important checks are complete, can the railway line safely re-open.
"There are also two mobile phone network masts within our cordon which are currently turned off to ensure everyone's safety.
"We once again apologise for the inconvenience this is causing and continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to resolve the situation.
"All being well, we hope to complete safety checks later this evening."
South Western Railway says all lines are blocked.
Engineers have been working through the night to fix the damaged pipe.
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
"Repairs to the damaged pipe are expected to take until early afternoon, and SGN will provide updates on this as appropriate.
"The Salisbury to Andover stretch of railway line will remain closed until this work is complete, and further updates will be made via Network Rail and South Western Railway.
"DWFRS remain on scene to maintain a 60m safety cordon around the leak, but have scaled back attendance to one fire engine and a water carrier.
"Anyone in the immediate area may still be able to smell gas in the air, so the advice remains to stay indoors and keep doors/windows closed."