Blackburn families evacuated after gas leak in Mill Hill

The leak happened on Queen Victoria Street in Mill Hill, with police and fire services in attendance. 

Around 25 people have been evacuated from the street, and are now safe at a Blackburn with Darwen gym in Witton Park. 

Ward councillor, Jim Smith, who is also a manager at The Blackburn Bus Company, picked up the families and took them to safety. 

25 people were evacuated from the area (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Smith said: "What has happened is a major gas leak on Queen Victoria Street in Mill Hill. 

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"Twenty families have had to be evacuated to the council gym at Witton Park. The council contacted The Blackburn Bus Company, where I work, to see if we could remove the families from out of there. 

Gas team (Image: Newsquest)

"I am the on-duty manager tonight and, as ward councillor, took the bus out myself and rescued these people. 

"Everyone is all safe and sound now, at the gym, we had to move dogs, babies, full families, we moved 25 in total." 

He added: "The road is closed off, police and fire service are there.

"It is still ongoing, and a bus is on standby from The Blackburn Bus Company to go and collect families if it finishes while I am still on shift, otherwise we will help in the morning." 

A spokesperson from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "One fire engine from Blackburn attended at 5.21pm. Firefighters assisted Cadent Gas in accessing and ventilating the affected property.

"They used a method of entry kit and were in attendance for around two hours." 

Firefighters from Blackburn station were in attendance. 

Lancashire Police and Cadent Gas have both been contacted for comment.