Bristol city centre has been subject to a major evacuation and cordon after a gas main ruptured beneath Colston Street. Emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, and ambulance crews, were dispatched to the scene after the incident was first reported at 13:43 BST.
A 200-metre cordon has been established by police, encompassing a significant area from the St James Barton Roundabout through to Park Row, Park Street, and Anchor Road. Members of the public are being urged to avoid the vicinity of Colston Street to alleviate congestion caused by the large presence of emergency vehicles. Wales & West Utilities (WWU) engineers are actively monitoring the leak and working to isolate it as quickly as possible, though the timeframe for resolution remains unclear.
Mike Radford from WWU confirmed that engineers discovered a leak on a gas pipe running under Colston Street upon their arrival. While work is underway to make the area safe and stop the leak, there has been no reported impact on local gas supplies. WWU has expressed appreciation for the public's patience and understanding during this essential operation.
The disruption has affected numerous individuals and businesses. The Bristol Beacon music and arts venue was evacuated as a precautionary measure, and it remains uncertain whether evening performances will proceed. First Bus has also reported significant service disruptions, with multiple routes diverted due to road closures around the bus station near the Bearpit roundabout. Commuters attempting to access College Green or the upper parts of Park Street are experiencing diversions via Anchor Road and Jacob Wells Road.
Eyewitnesses caught within the cordon described a strong smell of gas and expressed concern over the scale of the emergency response. Some individuals, like Hayden, found themselves unable to move freely within the cordoned zone, while others, such as Mary and Jason, had their plans for a Father's Day celebration in the city disrupted, facing a late return journey home.