Mystery ‘gas’ smell alarms hundreds

HUNDREDS of people across south Wales reported a smell of gas to the authorities yesterday.

The “strong smell” of gas was reported in Whitchurch, Cardiff, to Merthyr Tydfil, Nanatgarw and Pontypridd.

Wales and West Utilities for south Wales said there was “no indication” the incident was related to its network.

It said there were “no readings of gas in the air” and that the smell had not been caused by a leak from its network, but that it had received more than 700 calls about it.

A spokesman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent crews to Treforest and Troedyrhiw industrial estates but found no evidence of a leak.

Parents of Pontypridd High School pupils were told about the problem by text but which said the school’s buildings were safe.

It stated yesterday: “Pupils have been kept inside as a precaution. School will finish as normal.”

Richie Jones, Wales and West Utilities gas emergency service manager, said: “We have received more than 700 calls reporting a smell of gas along the A470 corridor from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil.

“Our engineers are visiting affected areas, but there are no readings of gas in the air and this smell has not been caused by a leak from our gas network.

“However, if anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999.

“Trained colleagues will take their call, give them advice, and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.”