A gas line incident near Oxford Street West and Westdel Bourne prompted the evacuation of approximately 20 homes and shut down a major stretch of Oxford Street for most of Monday.
The drama unfolded early Monday morning around 8:30 a.m. when a gas line was struck in the area. Emergency crews, including the London Fire Department and Enbridge Gas, immediately responded to the scene as safety protocols kicked into high gear.
The intersection at Gideon Drive and Kains Road, including the roundabout, was also closed as a precautionary measure while crews worked to contain the situation. Oxford Street experienced a full closure in both directions, creating significant traffic disruptions throughout the morning.
Several homes in the northeast area of Oxford Street West and Kains Road were temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution. London Police Service assisted with road closures as emergency personnel worked to secure the area.
By late morning, the gas leak had been safely isolated by Enbridge Gas crews, allowing Oxford Street to reopen and evacuated residents to return to their homes.
The London Fire Department later thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the emergency response. In a follow-up message, they reminded motorists to avoid driving around emergency scenes when they are blocked, emphasizing the importance of public safety during such incidents.
Normal traffic flow has now resumed on Oxford Street, and all affected residents have been cleared to return to their homes. The scene was left in the care of Enbridge Gas following the successful resolution of the leak.