A 100m cordon was put in place in Exeter city centre due to a gas leak yesterday (Thursday, January 9). Local train services were also cancelled as residents were evacuated in the Queen Street area.
Fire crews were called at 3.53pm to reports that there was a gas leak in a first floor flat. The firefighters used breathing apparatus to locate the source of the leak while the cordon was put in place.
The cordon was soon reduced to 50 metres before being lifted fully at 7.55pm. The fire crews continued to disperse any remaining gas before closing the operation. There was also a power cut at Exeter Central Station.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to a property on Queen Street in Exeter at 3.53pm on Thursday 9 January to reports that a gas pipe had been damaged and was leaking into a first floor flat. Crews used breathing apparatus to investigate and locate the source of the leak.
“An initial cordon of 100 metres was put in place until the gas and electric supplies to the property could be isolated, this was later reduced to 50 metres. The cordon was lifted by 7.55pm and crews used a positive-pressure ventilation fan to disperse any remaining gas before handing the property back to the landlord.”
Great Western Railway (GWR) confirmed that all Exeter Central lines were closed by the gas leak. Alternative sources of transport were put in place for customers.
GWR said yesterday afternoon: “Due to a gas leak near the railway at Exeter Central all lines are closed. Disruption is expected until 18:45.
“Owing to a gas leak in a property near the railway we have had to close Exeter Central station and are unable to run trains through there at this time. The Emergency Services are on site and we are awaiting more information from them.
“We are working to source replacement road transport between Exeter St David’s and Exmouth, however as we are not sure of the extent of any road closures in the city centre, we may not be able to stop the transport near Exeter Central.”
In an update at 12.30am this morning (January 10), National Rail announced that all services had returned to normal. It said in a post on X: “Following a gas leak near the railway, and a power cut at Exeter Central station, both of these incidents have now been resolved and trains are able to run as scheduled.”
Meanwhile, Devon Alert added yesterday afternoon: “Due to an incident at Exeter Central Train Station, parts of the city centre are closed off to traffic and pedestrians. Please expect delays and find an alternative route if possible.”