An exclusion zone was set up in an Essex village after a high pressure gas main ruptured – forcing 20 families out of their homes.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the evacuation had been carried out as a precautionary measure this evening.
Firefighters were called to Thaxted Road, Wimbish, near Saffron Walden, at around 8.20pm – and immediately requested the gas board’s attendance to help with urgent repairs.
“A 150 metre exclusion zone involving 20 properties was set up, with residents evacuated to a nearby public house,” a fire service spokesman added.
Crews from Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Braintree and South Woodham Ferrers, attended with a hazardous materials apparatus and an all terrain vehicle.
At 11.45pm ECFRS confirmed the gas board had completed repair works by 10.30pm.
“The road was quickly re-opened and families were allowed to return to their homes,” a spokesman added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here