Oldham Leisure Center Evacuated Following Suspected Gas Leak
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A leisure centre in Oldham was evacuated on Friday, October 31, after reports of a potential gas leak prompted a swift response from firefighters and gas engineers. Authorities are currently working to determine the source of the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
Initial Response and Evacuation
The incident at Oldham Leisure Centre on Middleton Road unfolded around 8 p.m. local time. Staff immediately initiated an evacuation of the building as emergency services were alerted. According to a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), “At around 8pm this evening (Friday 31 October), five fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to reports of a gas leak at oldham Leisure Centre on Middleton Road.”
Crews arrived quickly and began collaborating with colleagues from Cadent Gas to conduct thorough checks of the building. The priority remains securing the area and identifying the cause of the reported leak.
Investigation and Resolution
Following the initial evacuation, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Cadent Gas engineers conducted a comprehensive investigation into the source of the reported gas leak. Five fire engines were initially dispatched, and crews systematically checked the building’s gas infrastructure. The investigation revealed a faulty valve on a gas appliance within the leisure centre’s boiler room was the cause of the leak. Engineers isolated the valve and conducted repairs, ensuring the gas supply was safely shut off.
“Crews arrived quickly and are working alongside colleagues from Cadent Gas to carry out checks on the building and make the area safe,” a GMFRS representative stated. Fortunately, there were no reports of anyone falling ill as an inevitable result of the incident. The leisure centre was thoroughly ventilated by firefighters to dissipate any residual gas.
Reopening and Community Impact
Oldham Leisure Centre was declared safe by GMFRS and Cadent Gas at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, october 31. Services resumed as normal on Saturday, November 1. The temporary disruption caused by the evacuation impacted scheduled fitness classes and swimming sessions, but the centre worked to accommodate affected members. Authorities confirmed the incident posed no ongoing risk to the public. The swift response from emergency services prevented any injuries and minimized the disruption to the Oldham community.A full review of the leisure centre’s gas safety procedures will be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.