Thousands evacuated from central London buildings and huge cordon put in place

Thousands of office workers and residents have been evacuated after a suspected gas leak in one of London’s busiest areas.

Around 2,000 people were told to leave by firefighters and police, with uncontained gas having the potential to cause large explosions which can destroy buildings.

London Fire Brigade said: ‘We’re currently at the scene of a suspected gas leak on Southwark Street in Southwark.

‘Emergency service colleagues are also in attendance.

‘A cordon and road closure is in place and several buildings have been evacuated as a precaution.’

They told people to avoid the area to avoid getting caught up in the gridlock.

The road is closed between Blackfriars Road and Bear Lane, with bus route 381 is diverted.

We remain at the scene of a suspected gas leak in #Southwark Street, by the junction of Great Suffolk Street. Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from buildings as a precaution with no injuries reported.

Traffic is very heavy and people are advised to keep avoiding the area. pic.twitter.com/JkXvG0Ga61

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 5, 2024

Shortly before 4pm, London Fire Brigade added: ‘We remain at the scene of a suspected gas leak in Southwark Street, by the junction of Great Suffolk Street.

‘Around 2,000 people have been evacuated from buildings as a precaution with no injuries reported.

‘Traffic is very heavy and people are advised to keep avoiding the area.’

Southwark Street is a major road near the Thames in south London, close to the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre and Borough Market.

Photos from the scene show a large number of emergency vehicles, with a community news website saying some people working in nearby officers had been ‘wrapped in foil blankets’.

Badley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, said: ‘We are currently responding to reports of a gas escape in Southwark Street, south London.

‘Several businesses and a hotel have been evacuated.

‘Our engineers are investigating the cause and working with the emergency services to ensure the immediate vicinity is safe.’

James Smith