Street evacuated as car crashes into house causing 'gas leak'

A car crashed into a house causing a gas pipe to "rupture". Emergency services were called to Sydney Street, just off Walton Vale, at around 12.35pm today (Tuesday).

When the fire service arrived at the scene they found a car had ruptured an external gas pipe after a crash. Merseyside Police were also in attendance and closed Warbreck Moor. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service evacuated the street as a precaution.

Cadent was also at the scene and their dig team was requested. A Cadent engineer reduced the gas flow, as police assisted in the evacuation of Sydney Street. Readings were taken by Cadent, with the issue being isolated to three properties.

All other residents were advised they could re-enter their homes and the main road could be reopened. The fire service said the Cadent engineer continued to monitor gas levels every 10 minutes, while it waited for the dig team to arrive at the scene.

A spokesperson for Cadent said "everything was under control." Dale Martin, Customer Operations Area Manager, Cadent, said: “As a result of the road traffic collision, there is some damage to a gas pipe that carries gas into a building. We are on-site and have everything under control.

“Incidents like these are a reminder to ring 0800 111 999* if you ever smell gas, or notice damage to gas pipes. Act immediately, day or night, and ring that number. This is for the gas emergency service, which Cadent provides for the Merseyside area 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Road closures were put in place on Warbreck Moor between Cedar Road and Longmoor Lane and Warbreck Moor with Hall Lane, and Caldy Road to the Black Bull. Pictures of the scene showed the fire service, police and cadent all at the scene.

A spokesperson for Mersey Fire and Rescue said: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at an incident on Sydney Street, in the Liverpool 9 area. Crews were alerted at 12.37pm and on scene at 12.41pm, with two fire engines attending. Crews arrived to find that after a collision, a car had ruptured an external gas pipe.

"Merseyside Police are in attendance and have closed Warbreck Moor. MFRS crews evacuated the street as a precaution and a main covering branch was laid out. Cadent are also on scene, and their dig team has been requested. The Cadent engineer has reduced the gas flow, as Police assisted in the evacuation of Sydney Street.

"A multi-agency meeting has taken place with Police, Fire, and Cadent. Readings have been taken by Cadent, with the issue being isolated to three properties. All other residents have been advised that they can re-enter their homes, and the main road can be reopened.

"The Cadent engineer will continue to monitor levels every 10 minutes, while waiting for the dig team to arrive at scene. Crews handed over the scene to Merseyside Police and left at 14.46."