MORE than 150 people were evacuated from their homes on Thursday and had to spend the night in Amesbury Sports Centre after a major gas leak at Boscombe Down.
A main gas pipe was fractured during work to install new water mains and sewers in the Milton Road and Cadnam Crescent area of Boscombe Down.
Police sealed off the area on Thursday afternoon as gas poured into the atmosphere.
Families around the area were evacuated and were given emergency accommodation in the Families' Centre and the Combined Mess within Boscombe Down itself.
As it became clear they would not be able to return to their homes that night, arrangements were made to accommodate them in the sports centre.
Wiltshire county council's emergency plan swung into action to get food and bedding to the centre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article