Approximately 4,700 individuals have been evacuated across the City of London following a significant gas leak on Old Broad Street.
The London Fire Brigade responded to an emergency call at around 10:55 BST, discovering a ruptured six-inch gas main beneath a six-storey office building. Emergency crews established a 200-metre safety cordon spanning the area between Threadneedle Street and London Wall as a protective measure.
What is the current situation at the scene?
Multiple fire service resources remain deployed at the location to manage the incident. Two fire engines from Dowgate and Shadwell fire stations, together with a fire rescue unit from Bethnal Green, are continuing operations at the site. Surrounding office buildings within the cordon have been evacuated as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety while emergency personnel address the ruptured gas main.
Why was such a large area evacuated?
The scale of the evacuation reflects the serious nature of a ruptured gas main, which poses significant safety risks to people in the vicinity. The 200-metre cordon was established to create a secure perimeter and prevent access to the affected zone while the London Fire Brigade works to contain and resolve the gas leak. The precautionary evacuation of nearby buildings ensures that occupants are removed from potential danger until the situation is fully resolved.
Key Facts
- Approximately 4,700 people evacuated from the City of London
- Gas main rupture discovered on Old Broad Street at a six-storey office building
- 200-metre safety cordon established between Threadneedle Street and London Wall
- Emergency response includes crews from three fire stations: Dowgate, Shadwell, and Bethnal Green
