Train gas leak emergency triggers lockdown in parts of Inverness city centre
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Parts of Inverness city centre is in lockdown after a gas leak from a train triggered an emergency.
Morrisons supermarket on Millburn Road was evacuated and shoppers could not access some parts of the Eastgate Centre.
And it was reported that pupils at nearby Millburn Academy were being kept in school as many usually walk along Millburn Road to buy lunch at Morrisons.
Millburn Road runs parallel with the rail track and sidings emerging from Inverness Railway Station.
The gas leak halted all rail traffic in and out of the city, and there was considerable road and pedestrian disruption with streets and car parks cordoned off.
Police Scotland said that the gas leak was from a train at Inverness.
The Eastgate Centre underpass at Falcon Square was shut by police, along with much of Millburn Road.
UPDATE: Inverness three hour gas emergency declared over
And traffic was being stopped from entering Academy Street at the Chapel Street end, although traffic from Crown was being allowed along the major thoroughfare.
Shoppers and staff were evacuated from Morrisons supermarket and the car park was also cordoned off with police tape.
Three fire crews from Inverness and one from Balmossie by Dundee were at the scene of the incident involving a freight train at Inverness Maintenance Depot.
Safety concerns meant trains are unable to operate in or out of the station which is close to the maintenance depot.
A response team is being brought in to assess the leak situation on the train.
The British Transport Police said: “We were called to the line near Inverness railway station at 9.49am today to reports of a gas leak on board a freight train. Officers are currently in attendance.
“There are no reported injuries and precautionary cordon has been put in place.”
Police Scotland said: “Around 10.25am on Tuesday, 14 May, we were made aware of a gas leak from a train in the Millburn Road area of Inverness.
“Emergency services are in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the Millburn Road and Academy Street areas.
“The Eastgate Shopping Centre and Morrisons supermarket have been evacuated as a precaution.”
Pedestrians were also prevented from entering the Eastgate at the the Millburn Road end of the shopping centre.
ScotRail said: “Due to a gas leak near the railway, all lines to/from Inverness are closed.”
“Ticket acceptance is in place with Stagecoach North Scotland Buses and Scottish Citylink services between Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
“Bus replacements are also confirmed to run between Perth and Inverness. Customers are advised to check the ScotRail app, website, or social media channels for service updates.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “We are sorry to customers who have experienced disruption to their journey today.
“Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more is entitled to compensation though our Delay Repay Guarantee. Just keep hold of your tickets and claim on the ScotRail website or mobile app.”
