Crawley gas leak: Residents allowed back into their homes
Around 700 were told to leave after a major incident was declared
Around 700 residents evacuated after a major gas leak at a block of flats in Crawley have been told they can go back into their homes.
Those living at the Milton Mount building were ordered to leave at just after midnight on Wednesday (January 6th), after a major incident was declared by emergency services.
Crews spent much of the day trying to fix the issue, which is understood to have been caused by a corroded pipe at the building in Milton Mount Avenue.
Many of those evacuated from the building spent the day in hotels while checks to determine the building's safety took place, with people being told to stay away from the building.
In an update released at just before 9pm on Wednesday, Crawley Borough Council said the emergency had ended following final gas safety checks.
However, those living in the building were told there was no guarantee that their electricity and boiler would be working if they returned on Wednesday night, and they had the choice of remaining in their hotel overnight.
A council spokesperson said:
"Unfortunately, it's not going to be possible to return keys to residents who are in hotels until the morning because of the time this takes due to coronavirus restrictions.
"If you do not have keys, please do not return to Milton Mount; stay in the hotel. You’ll be able to collect your keys from the Montefiore Room in Ridleys Court between 8am and 11am tomorrow.
"If you do have keys, you can continue to stay in the hotel tonight and have breakfast in the hotel tomorrow morning if you wish. If you don’t have transport to get back to Milton Mount we will again be providing transport in the morning.
"Sussex Police will continue to patrol outside to ensure the security of Milton Mount Flats.
"While we are sure you are keen to return home please remember to look after yourself and your family by staying Covid-safe. Please don’t rush back to your flat; try to stagger returning to Milton Mount as much as possible so the number of people in communal areas remains low."
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) teams were all called to the scene, along with representatives for West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council and SGN.
A joint statement from West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service read:
“Joint Fire Control received reports of a gas leak at a residential high rise block of flats on Milton Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley shortly after 8pm last night (January 5th).
“Six fire engines and an Incident Command Unit were mobilised to the scene. Information from Southern Gas Network indicated that a significant leak of natural gas had occurred.
"An on scene multi agency tactical meeting was convened between WSFRS, WSCC, Sussex Police, SECAmb and Crawley Borough Council. A decision was made by Crawley Borough Council to declare a local authority Major Incident, which was supported by all partners.
“Staff worked together to manage the safe evacuation of around 700 residents from the building. Residents were supported by staff from WSCC’s Adults Services team to ensure all welfare needs were met."