Barcelona’s fire service has confirmed a major gas leak in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat remains “absolutely active” after forcing evacuations of multiple residential blocks and a school on Wednesday. Fire chief Enric Pous told reporters the incident began midday when construction work damaged a gas pipeline. Approximately 200 residents have been displaced with some unlikely to return home tonight according to officials.
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The emergency response continues with gas company technicians unable to isolate the specific leak. Consequently, authorities ordered the complete shutdown of gas supply to the entire affected zone. Current monitoring shows significant gas accumulation in sewer systems and underground parking areas.
Emergency Response
Fire crews maintain constant monitoring of ignition points while confirming explosion risk remains low. However, the evacuation order stands as gas readings continue fluctuating. The situation developed after construction workers breached a gas main during routine operations. Nearby residents reported smelling gas shortly before emergency services arrived.
Local schools implemented emergency protocols with one institution evacuating all students safely. The city council has established temporary accommodation for displaced residents at a nearby community centre. Meanwhile, police have cordoned off six city blocks as a precautionary measure.
Long Recovery Expected
Chief Pous indicated restoring normalcy will require extensive safety checks across all affected properties. Each residential unit must undergo individual inspection before residents can return. This process could take several days according to fire service estimates.
The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in Barcelona’s metropolitan area. Similar gas leaks have occurred during construction projects in recent years. Officials urge contractors to verify utility maps before beginning excavation work.
Residents seeking updates can consult the Barcelona emergency services portal for official information. The fire service continues working with gas company technicians to resolve the situation safely.
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