Families evacuated after gas leak in flats
FAMILIES in Newcastle’s West End were evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night after a gas leak.
The leak was caused by a ruptured gas supply which was “venting off into the atmosphere” outside a block of flats on Condercum Road in Benwell.
Firefighters, police officers and gas board workers were called to the scene just after midnight yesterday.
A Tyne Wear Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said eight properties were evacuated.
A total of 17 adults and eight children were taken to safety.
The spokesperson said none of them required hospital treatment, but the fire crew’s watch vehicle was used for shelter.
They said: “The Red Cross attended and provided welfare to the occupants. A local social club was also opened to give refuge to the families.”