Gas pipe repaired after leak leads to evacuation

A GAS pipe has been repaired after a leak led to the closure of two major railway stations and the evacuation of 1,450 people in central London.

Heaven nightclub was cleared and guests at a nearby hotel were moved into emergency accommodation after the alarm was raised in the Strand at around 2am yesterday.

Engineers located the gas escape at the junction of Craven Street with Corner House Street, and are now checking nearby buildings for gas.

People who made it into the PWC offices in Craven Street yesterday morning have since been evacuated, and a police officer said the gas level is still “extremely high”.

Another officer told a crowd of workers that it could be 15 minutes or four hours before they would be allowed in.

Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations were shut, with services diverted into Victoria, Cannon Street and Blackfriars.

Gas supplier Cadent said: “A repair on the gas pipe has been completed.

“We are now checking the closest properties to ensure there is no gas in these buildings.

“No-one can enter these properties until we have completed these safety checks.”

Cadent said the emergency services’ cordon will remain in place until all safety checks have been completed.

“Our priority is to get the train stations opened as soon as possible, followed by the buildings.

“Engineers are working to resolve the situation and we hope to have the stations and streets open by late morning,” the company said.

The Amba Hotel, flats, offices and Charing Cross stations were evacuated.