Evacuation in Stonehaven centre after car crash causes gas pipe fracture; 63-year-old charged in connection
Emergency Services attended the scene not long after 10.10am
Last updated 13th Dec 2022
Buildings in the centre of Stonehaven have been evacuated after a car crash caused a fracture in a gas pipe.
Police Scotland have also confirmed that a 63-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At around 10.10am on Tuesday, 13 December, 2022, we were called to a report of a car crashing into two stationary vehicles at Market Square, Stonehaven.
"Emergency services attended and a small number of properties and shops were evacuated temporarily due to a damaged gas pipe.
"The area was made safe by gas engineers. A 63-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident and is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal."
Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, said: "Earlier today, three vehicles were hit as a driver exited the Market Square car park in Stonehaven, with one vehicle striking our gas network.
"An engineer quickly arrived on site and made the situation safe. We will be working to replace the service pipe to one business this afternoon."
Charles Michies Pharmacy confirmed on Facebook that staff were told to leave the building.
It said: "There is a short-term closure of our pharmacy in Stonehaven.
"There is a possible gas problem in market square which has led to a police evacuation.
"We will keep you updated and apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you".