A significant gas leak reported on Wednesday evening has brought travel in parts of South London to a standstill, with New Cross Road remaining fully closed and emergency evacuations enforced for nearby residents. The incident has affected key transport routes across Lewisham, Blackheath, and Greenwich, leading to substantial traffic congestion and delays in public transport services.
As of Thursday morning, emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, and safety remains a top priority. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated from nearby buildings after the gas leak was detected late Wednesday. With safety checks ongoing, access to several properties remains restricted, and affected individuals are being asked to stay away from their homes until further notice.
Emergency Response and Evacuations in Full Force
Authorities from the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police responded promptly to the reported gas escape near New Cross Station. The area, which includes residential flats and commercial premises, was quickly cordoned off as a safety measure. According to emergency services, the leak occurred due to damage to a gas main, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
Evacuated residents were taken to temporary shelters coordinated by the London Borough of Lewisham, with welfare support teams deployed to assist vulnerable individuals. Local authorities confirmed early Thursday that engineers from gas network operator Cadent are still working at the scene to locate and secure the source of the leak.
As of 3 a.m., residents were advised not to return to their properties. Local officials recommend checking the Lewisham Council and Transport for London (TfL) websites for ongoing updates and safety advisories.
Widespread Traffic and Bus Route Disruption
The closure of New Cross Road, a major South London artery, has had a cascading effect on the transport network. Several TfL bus routes, including those connecting Lewisham, Deptford, and Blackheath, have been diverted or suspended, causing delays of up to 45 minutes on some services.
Affected bus routes include the 21, 36, 136, 171, 172, 321, and 436, many of which pass through New Cross Gate, Lewisham High Street, and Deptford Bridge. TfL has issued advisories urging commuters to seek alternative travel routes and to allow additional time for their journeys.
Traffic congestion has intensified in surrounding areas such as Lewisham Road, Blackheath Hill, and Deptford Church Street. Commuters report long queues on the A2 and other routes feeding into Central London. Motorists are advised to avoid the affected zones entirely if possible and to use live traffic updates via Google Maps, Waze, or TfL Traffic Status.
What Travellers Need to Know
If you’re planning to travel through South London today or in the coming days, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- New Cross Road remains closed in both directions as engineers continue to resolve the gas leak.
- Bus diversions are active, affecting services in Lewisham, Blackheath, Deptford, and surrounding areas.
- Expect longer travel times across the South London region, particularly near major junctions and on arterial roads.
- Check before you travel by visiting official government sites or local borough websites for updates on transport services and road closures.
- Stay alert for emergency instructions. Evacuated residents should await clearance from officials before attempting to return to their homes.
Local and Regional Authorities Urge Patience
Speaking to local media, a spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade emphasized that public safety remains the foremost concern. “We understand the disruption this is causing for residents and commuters, but it is essential we ensure the area is completely safe before allowing access again,” the spokesperson said.
Lewisham Council has mobilized its emergency response team to assist those displaced by the incident, offering overnight accommodations and access to essential services.
Meanwhile, Cadent Gas issued a statement confirming that their engineers are “working as swiftly and safely as possible to repair the damaged main,” and they will continue to liaise with the emergency services until the area is secure.
Tourism and Business Impact
The gas leak and ensuing transport issues may impact local tourism activities in South London, particularly around New Cross, which is home to Goldsmiths University, vibrant music venues, and local markets. Businesses in the area have also been affected by closures and reduced footfall.
Tourists and visitors planning to explore South London are advised to monitor developments closely and adjust travel plans accordingly. Alternative attractions in nearby Greenwich, such as the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, remain accessible via alternative routes.
As South London navigates the aftermath of this emergency, staying informed and flexible will be key for both residents and visitors in the area.
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