Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) responded to reports of a gas escape in the Corporation Road (formerly known as Commercial Road) area of Hendon, Sunderland, last night (19 July), carried out investigations and made the situation safe.
Engineers worked through the night to repair the gas pipe, and work has been completed today (July 20).
In order to ensure the safety of residents it was necessary to temporarily evacuate 40 properties in the immediate area yesterday evening. Assistance was provided to affected customers at the location, including help with alternative accommodation and all affected residents returned to their homes at 2am this morning.
In order to complete the repair safely and efficiently it was necessary to temporarily close Corporation Road. The road has now been reopened.
Northern Gas Networks Site Manager Shaun Williams said: “As the gas distribution network for the North of England safety is our priority. Our investigations identified a gas escape on a pipe in the street and it was necessary to temporarily evacuate 40 properties in the immediate area as a precautionary measure yesterday evening. Everyone was safely back in their homes by 2am. Our engineers worked through the night and completed work to repair the pipe today. We would like to thank customers for their cooperation.”
The gas supply to homes and businesses in the area was not affected.
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800111999.