Gas leak & subsequent fire causes road closure

An underground gas fire that erupted through a manhole in the street, spurred a rapid response from emergency and other officials today.

The incident occurred at the junction of the traffic lights in Fairchild Street, Bridgetown, just before six this morning.

It was subsequently extinguished but not before creating some chaotic scenes, since several roads were closed during rush hour traffic.

Divisional Officer of the Barbados Fire Service Marlon Small told CBC this evening the blaze was in what he called a cavern in the area adjacent to the Freedom Park.

According to him, it was put out about 2 this afternoon.

The Divisional Officer says officials from the National Petroleum Corporation and the Barbados Fire Service, including Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard, remained on location as part of the monitoring team.

Up until news time there were still some restrictions in and around Bridgetown for pedestrians and motorists.

Mr. Small says six officers with one water tender from the Bridgetown Station responded to the incident.

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