Gas Leak Causes Evacuations Near Hospital in North Wales
A major gas leak near Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in North Wales led to homes being evacuated and roads closed on Friday, April 11. The incident occurred in the Rhuddlan Road area of Bodelwyddan, near the hospital. Wales and West Utilities confirmed that the gas leak was a result of a contractor damaging a pipe in a field opposite the hospital. As a safety measure, nearby residents were evacuated, and Rhuddlan Road was shut down while engineers worked to address the issue. Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.
The gas leak not only impacted nearby homes but also disrupted access to the hospital, with the route from the A55, past Marble Church, along Rhuddlan Road, being blocked. Ben Hughes, Operations Manager for Rhyl at Wales and West Utilities, stated, “Our engineers are currently working as safely and as quickly as possible to isolate the leak so that they can then safely start the repair work.” The gas leak prompted the closure of Rhuddlan Road, and residents were urged to take alternative routes to avoid the affected area.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene of the gas leak near Glan Clwyd Hospital and advised residents to close windows and doors as a precaution. The fire service also closed off Rhuddlan Road from Marble Church to the hospital. North Wales Police issued a statement urging people to avoid the area due to the suspected gas leak outside Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
The incident raised concerns, but Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reassured the public that patient services at the hospital were running normally and there was no immediate risk to staff or patients. While there was a smell of gas around the hospital site, the gas supply to the hospital remained unaffected. Specialized engineers were working on containing and repairing the gas leak, and updates were being provided as the situation progressed.
Denbighshire County Council offered assistance to the utility company to help manage the incident effectively. The health board advised that access to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd might be affected due to the ongoing gas leak incident. Patient services continued as usual, but alternative routes were recommended for non-emergency hospital traffic. The situation highlighted the importance of preparedness and collaboration between authorities to address emergencies swiftly and ensure the safety of the community.
The gas leak incident near Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and prompt response to such situations. Collaborative efforts between emergency services, utility companies, and local authorities are crucial in managing and resolving incidents effectively. The safety and well-being of residents, patients, and staff remain a top priority in handling emergencies of this nature, underscoring the importance of proactive measures and coordinated responses to ensure public safety.