A vast section of Inverness city center was evacuated today due to a gas leak from a freight train.
Emergency personnel, including police and firefighters, rushed to the scene near the Inverness Depot after the alert was raised at approximately 10:25 am on Thursday, May 14. Teams are still on site.
Parts of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and a nearby Morrisons have been shut down as a safety measure. The public has been advised to steer clear of the area.
Scottish Gas Network (SGN) has confirmed that the leak originated from a train transporting tanks that serve its network.
A post on X, previously known as Twitter, stated: “We are addressing a gas escape from a train carrying tanks that supply our network. We are collaborating with Police Scotland and ScotRail to manage the situation as swiftly as possible.”
Network Rail has acknowledged that its engineers are aiding the emergency teams.
Their statement said: “We are collaborating with emergency services managing an incident involving a freight train at Inverness Depot. Further details will be provided when available.”
In the meantime, all train services to and from the city have been suspended. ScotRail has arranged buses to replace several train services.
Social media images depict various areas cordoned off by police with multiple police vehicles present.
A Police Scotland statement reported: “At around 10:25 am on Tuesday, May 14, we were notified of a gas leak from a train on Millburn Road in Inverness. Emergency services are on site and the public is asked to avoid the Millburn Road and Academy Street areas.
“Sections of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Morrisons have been temporarily closed as a precaution.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson mentioned: “We received alerts at 9:54 am on Tuesday, May 14, about a gas leak from a train near Inverness Rail Station. Operations Control dispatched three fire engines and specialist units to the location, where crews are working alongside other agencies to secure the area.”
