Statement date: 6 January 2021
A joint statement from West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service: “Joint Fire Control received reports of a gas leak at a residential high rise block of flats on Milton Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley shortly after 8pm last night (5 January).
“Six fire engines and an Incident Command Unit were mobilised to the scene. Information from Southern Gas Network indicated that a significant leak of natural gas had occurred. An on scene multi agency tactical meeting was convened between WSFRS, WSCC, Sussex Police, SECAmb and Crawley Borough Council. A decision was made by Crawley Borough Council to declare a local authority Major Incident, which was supported by all partners.
“Staff worked together to manage the safe evacuation of around 700 residents from the building. Residents were supported by staff from WSCC’s Adults Services team to ensure all welfare needs were met.
“A multi-agency approach has been developed to support the temporary relocation of affected residents, this includes the transportation of residents to temporary accommodation whilst maintaining COVID-19 precautions.”
