Buildings evacuated in Liverpool city centre after car crash causes gas leak

A car collision with a restaurant in Liverpool city centre resulted in a gas leak, prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings and the closure of several roads. The crash took place around 12:30 GMT on North John Street when a Peugeot vehicle collided with the window of the Tiger Rock Restaurant, according to Merseyside Police.

The driver remained at the scene, and authorities indicated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was intentional. Three individuals who were inside the restaurant at the time were checked for minor injuries, as confirmed by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Following the collision, the impact caused a gas leak, which led emergency responders to establish a safety perimeter. Firefighters and police have cordoned off the area, while both a structural engineer and a gas engineer are scheduled to assess the site to ensure safety.

As a precaution, nearby buildings were evacuated, and roads at key intersections, including Dale Street with North John Street and North John Street with Lord Street, remain closed. Public transport services have also been affected, with buses temporarily rerouted. Specifically, all Wirral Metro services are now ending at Whitechapel and commencing their return at Sir Thomas Street