Homes evacuated after car crashes into gas substation

Several properties have been evacuated after a car crashed into a gas substation in West Sussex.

Residents from six flats and one house were transferred to a church hall after the crash on Pagham Road, Pagham.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene of the car crash at 3.48am and remain at the scene.

A 100-metre evacuation was put in place and people have been advised to avoid the area while emergency services attend the incident.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “We were called at 3.48am to reports of a road traffic collision on Pagham Road, Pagham.

“Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines to the scene.

“Upon arrival crews found a vehicle that had collided with a gas substation. Firefighters helped put in place a 100-metre cordon and evacuated a small number of people from their homes as a precaution.

“Firefighters remain on scene alongside West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team and officers from Arun District Council and we are working alongside SGN to make the scene safe while they carry out repairs.

“Parts of Pagham Road are expected to remain closed, and we would encourage people to avoid the area for the time being.”