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Homes and businesses evacuated after gas leak

News imageBBC A photo on the Gortin Road, on the left is a circular blue sign with a white border, in the middle it has a white arrow pointing to another blue sign with a white border sign that reads 'Police road closed'. In the background there is a Spar shop, a car park, and police barricades blocking the road. BBC
A number of homes and businesses have been evacuated

Around 20 homes and a number of local businesses have been evacuated following a gas leak in Omagh.

The Gortin Road has been closed at its junction with the Killybrack Road.

The council have told local representatives a digger hit a mains gas pipe at the junction of Gortin Road and Strathroy Road.

A 100-metre evacuation zone is in place there is a large police and fire service presence in the area.

News imageFire fighters on the Gortin Road, beside a police vehicle. To their left are barricades.
Residents in the area are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Residents in the area who have not had to leave their homes are being advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has opened Omagh Leisure Complex as an emergency support centre.

News imageNicola Brogan pictured outside, she is wearing a brown jacket with a white blouse. A gold necklace and has short blonde hair.
Nicola Brogan has commended the emergency services

Sinn Féin MLA Nicola Brogan said: "I really want to commend the emergency services for the work that they've done ensuring the safety of local people here.

"It's important they make the place safe before the road is reopened."

News imageBernard McGrath pictured outside. he is wearing a navy jacket with a blue and white shirt.
Bernard McGrath is encouraging people to stay away from the area

SDLP representative Bernard McGrath said that with the strong winds today he detected the smell from about a mile away while driving into the town centre.

He is encouraging people to "stay away from the area, stay inside, close the doors and windows".

"Everything seems to be under control, the right people are here." he added.