Corby evacuation operation as emergency services called to mains gas leak

Corby fire crews, police officers and gas engineers were on the scene of a mains gas leak for three hours yesterday on the Willowbrook East Industrial Estate.

A number of roads surrounding Sallow Road were closed after a possible gas leak was reported to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue at about 3.25pm.

The un-named site had been evacuated with fire crews working with other services to manage the incident with motorists advised to avoid the area.

A Northants Fire spokesman said: "Yesterday (June 8) at 3.23pm Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to an incident on Willowbrook East Industrial Estate, Corby, after a call to Fire Control reporting a possible gas leak.

"Crews from Corby Fire Station attended the incident. Security Staff had evacuated the area and fire crew set up a cordon in the vicinity. Road closures were put in place to reroute vehicles away from the industrial estate.

"The gas board were informed and attended the incident to isolate the mains gas leak.

"Police were also present at the incident to assist with road closures and liaise with adjacent businesses.

"The fire service, police, gas board and onsite contractors worked well together to ensure that the gas leak was isolated and members of the public, businesses and nearby properties were safe."

The incident was then handed over to the onsite contractors and the roads were reopened at about 6.30pm. There were no casualties.