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Residents evacuated after car hits homes causing gas leak

A car ploughed into two homes forcing 30 people to evacuate after concerns over a gas leak.

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Emergency services in Bewdley after a crash caused a gas leak. Picture: Matthew Tomkins

The car left the road and hit the houses in the early hours of Friday.

Four residents are still unable to return to their houses while engineers resolve the issue.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested on driving offences and is currently in custody.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "The road remains closed and engineers are currently working to resolve the gas leak. Some residents have been evacuated while this is resolved but they can now return to their properties – except for four.

"It happened at about 1.15am. A single vehicle collided with a couple of properties on the road which resulted in the main gas leak.

"The driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving offences and is in custody, helping police with inquiries. Residents were evacuated so engineers can resolve the issue."

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service (HWFRS) said: "The RTC damaged a gas pipe and so residents of 14 properties were evacuated until the area could be made safe.

"Two fire engines attended from Bewdley and Kidderminster fire stations and the crews worked with police, and Wyre Forest District Council to evacuate the 30 residents to a place of safety.

"While the Emergency Planning rest centre in Kidderminster was made ready, the adults and children were transported temporarily to Bewdley Fire Station, where they were looked after by the Red Cross.

"They remained here just over an hour before relocating to the rest centre at 4:00am.

"HWFRS remained at the scene until the gas pipe was made safe. The families have since been able to return to their homes."

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