Bolton: Derby Street closed after car crash causes gas leak

Derby Street and St Helens Road was closed this afternoon after the crash.

Officers gave chase to the black Seat Ibiza at around noon on Wigan Road, Bolton when it failed to stop for them after they signalled in a marked police car.

After a short pursuit the car crashed into shop front and gas pipe on Derby Street, causing a gas leak and forcing the emergency services to tape off the road.

Police were called to the scene (Image: Newsquest)

The driver fled the scene and the Seat was found abandoned not far from the scene

A woman was taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries.

Police are now appeal for witnesses.

The road was cordoned off for much of the afternoon (Image: Newsquest)

Detective Sergeant Carla Deighton of GMP’s Bolton district said: “This happened on a busy street in Bolton in the middle of the day.

“People will have been either walking past or in their cars and we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have dash cam, mobile footage or CCTV relevant to this investigation.

“Officers want to speak to the driver regarding this incident as he may be able to assist with enquiries.”

Firefighters were on the scene (Image: Newsquest)

Firefighters and gas board officials were called to Derby Street to isolated the gas while St Helens Road remained closed for much of the afternoon.

The road was reopened later in the afternoon.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Just before 12.30pm this afternoon, two engines from Bolton Central fire station were called to reports of a gas leak on Derby Street, Bolton.

The road is a busy way through Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

 “Crews arrived quickly at scene and worked to make the area safe.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatuses used dammit paste, a gas monitor and small tools to reduce the gas leak from a ruptured pipe and ventilate the property above the gas leak.”

Officials from gas company Cadent, whose engineers were at the scene, say the scene was quickly made safe.

Emergency services had to clear the area (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson said: "There was a road traffic accident which caused damage to a gas pipe.

"As the gas emergency service, we were on site quickly and made everything safe.”

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They added: “Incidents like this serve as a reminder that, if you ever smell gas or witness damage to a gas pipe, call the national gas emergency service immediately on 0800 111 999.

“All calls are recorded and may be monitored.”

Witnesses can call 0161 856 4198, quoting log number 1433 of the 19/4/2023.

Alternatively, members of the public can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.