Homes evacuated after DIY blunder
An over-enthusiastic DIY fan caused a major incident when he drilled through a gas main.
Two families had to be evacauted from their homes in Wagtail Close, Moulton Lees, Moulton on Saturday afternoon as large amounts of gas started gushing into the house.
A 30-metre exlusion zone was set up around the houses and all other residents in the close were told to stay inside with windows and doors shut.
Three fire crews attended in case of explosion and fire as gas repairmen battled to close off the leak.
Fire service tactical response officer Kevin Hornsey, who was in charge of the incident, told the Chronicle & Echo: "The leak started when the householder drilled through the gas main as he was trying to install TV cables. He was hugely embarrassed. It was a particulalrly tricky situation as the gas has to vent to the atmosphere and the danger was it could be leaking into the cavity walls of the house."
The evacuated residents were preparing to spend the night with relatives but the all-clear was given at about 8pm and they were allowed back into their homes.
Fire crews from Moulton, The Mounts in Northampton and Earls Barton attended.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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