Southern Gas Networks works on gas pipeline after Pulborough crash

It comes after a car crashed into a gas main in Church Hill, Pulborough, at 9.15pm last night.

As a result, a “significant amount of natural gas” escaped.

Police set up a 100-metre cordon and 30 people were evacuated from their homes to a nearby Tesco.

A witness said ten homes near the scene were evacuated.

Southern Gas Networks was on site this morning and hopes to have repairs completed by the end of today.

A spokeswoman said: “Our engineers were on site last night and ensured safety by cutting off the gas supply to the damaged pipe.

“We’re back on site this morning conducting emergency repairs which we hope to have completed by the end of today.”

At the crime scene last night (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also gave updates on the crash.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “The driver was not injured. However, some residents were evacuated to a nearby Tesco store by West Sussex Police and Fire Brigade after being alerted by the Gas Authority following reports of a possible gas leak.

“The area has been cordoned off and a 100 meter cordon has been put in place. After the gas line was repaired, residents were allowed back into their homes around 11:30 p.m.

Southern Gas Networks on site (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A fire service spokeswoman said: “Crews from Billingshurst and Petworth were dispatched to the scene and on arrival firefighters found a car had struck a gas line which was leaking a significant amount of natural gas.

“Approximately 30 people were evacuated from their properties during the course of the incident.

“Gas authorities quickly isolated the gas line and residents were able to return to their properties by 11.30pm.

“Shortly thereafter, firefighters left the scene and the incident was placed in the care of the technician on site.”