Rush hour chaos as giant gas fire closes main road in Leeds

Two homes had to be evacuated as a result of the blaze off Dewsbury Road as a precaution. The flames reached such a height that they could be seen for miles around.

The blaze did not result in the immediate loss of gas for customers in the area and residents were given safety advice.

West Yorkshire Police advised 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 that the road was unlikely to open before 10pm.

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said yesterday: "At 2:15pm we were notified of a gas main fire off Dewsbury Road, adjacent to the Tommy Wass public house."

Emergency services and utility companies were called to the site and said the situation was under control.

A spokesperson from Northern Gas Networks said: "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. No customers are currently affected by gas loss."