Ten-hour long 999 response to 'erupted' gas main in Coventry city centre

[dutchman]

The final fire crew left the scene at 7am this morning



Parts of Coventry city centre were cordoned off for ten hours after a gas main near a pub erupted. Fire crews from Coventry, Binley and Foleshill responded to 999 calls in Greyfriars Lane at 8.30 last night (February 16).

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) confirmed that firefighters and police gathered near to The Squirrel pub and soon put road closures in place, including nearby High Street. Several buildings in the area were evacuated.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said that the initial 999 call came in at 8.30pm last night and two crews were sent to the scene.

A WMFS spokesperson told CoventryLive a pipe in the road had 'erupted'. While fire crews made the area safe, Cadent was called to the scene.

Several firefighters kitted-out in breathing apparatus helped evacuate buildings nearby. Some people were offered emergency temporary accommodation.

At the height of the WMFS operation four engines were at the scene and they remained there until 2.30am this morning (February 17). Another crew then arrived to take-over while Cadent managed to make the repair to the gas main.

The final fire crew left the scene at 7am this morning. West Midlands Police confirmed to CoventryLive that officers were on the scene to help assist the fire service with road closures.