Flames seen for miles as blazing gas main shuts busy city roads

GIANT flames could be seen above a Leeds street yesterday as a gas main which caughtfire led to roads being closed while workers battled to protect local supplies.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Sep 2010, 01:48 BST
Updated 4th Sep 2010, 01:49 BST

Residents of two homes were evacuated as a result of the blaze off Dewsbury Road, Leeds, as a precaution. The flames reached such a height they could be seen for miles around.

Northern Gas Networks said yesterday afternoon no customers had lost their gas supply in the area.

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Last night West Yorkshire Police were advising members of the public and motorists to avoid Dewsbury Road and Middleton Ring Road.

The Ring Road at Beeston Park was closed both ways between the A653 Dewsbury Road and Park Wood Road. Motorists were told the road was unlikely to open before 10pm yesterday.

Emergency services and utility companies were called to the site, near the Tommy Wass pub,and yesterday afternoon they said the situation was under control but remained at the site.

A spokesperson from Northern Gas Networks said yesterday: "Our engineers are assisting the emergency services to tackle a fire on a gas main at the junction of Beeston Park ring road and Gypsy Lane in Leeds.

"The road has been closed off and two properties evacuated as a precaution.

"We are assessing the situation, to determine how best to isolate the gas main."

Related topics:LeedsEmergency servicesResidentsMotorists