Rush-hour chaos hit Tyneside today as firefighters closed roads to tackle a dangerous gas canister.
Motorists faced delays as roads around the Four Lane Ends interchange in Newcastle remained shut.
Police said an overheated oxyacetylene canister in the Kwik Fit garage on Benton Road could explode.
As well as roads being closed, Metro trains were not stopping at Four Lane Ends and the car park at the interchange was shut. Tailbacks were expected to build up in the area throughout the day.
Assistant Chief Constable Carolyn Peacock said: "While I can understand the frustration of people caused by these road closures, I must stress that they are absolutely necessary. Public safety is paramount and we would not take this action if there was an alternative.
The alarm was raised at 11.35am yesterday and the situation soon escalated.
The gas cylinder, which became overheated while it was being used, can explode like a bomb if it gets hot enough.
A cordon of 50 metres around the Four Lane Ends roundabout is in place .
Police also arrived to help divert nearby traffic as a precautionary measure.
A police spokesman said: "The incident is continuing to be managed as the fire service works to stabilise the cylinder.
"As this is going on the cordon will remain in place. It is 50m around the scene which is the minimum required for this type of incident."
He said traffic was being diverted and officers were on hand to help drivers find different routes.
You stay Classy North Tyneside...
That's crazy...
ReplyDeleteI think I stopped off at the news agent right next to that kwik fit to pick up a newspaper(at least it looks like the same place).
Hope you made it home alright.
Nice post...