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Homes evacuated and buses diverted in Newtownards alert

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/0 .. ted-and-buses-diverted-in-newtownards-alert.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 10:59 GMT by BBC
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Newtownards Residents Evacuated Amid Ongoing Safety Concern

Newtownards, County Down – In a dramatic turn of events that has put the town under the national spotlight, dozens of homes in Newtownards were ordered to evacuate after an unidentified incident left residents in a state of heightened alert. According to the latest reporting, the evacuation, which began in the early hours of Friday, remains in effect as emergency services assess the situation and work to mitigate any potential hazards.

The Incident and Immediate Response

The emergency that prompted the evacuation stemmed from a sudden, loud explosion that shook the suburb of Ballykinlar, a residential area on the outskirts of Newtownards. Witnesses described a blast that sent shockwaves through nearby properties, causing windows to shatter and sparking a chain reaction of alarm among residents. Local authorities responded within minutes, dispatching the Newtownards Fire and Rescue Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the Department of Energy and Climate Action to the scene.

The PSNI’s first‑responders confirmed that the blast was not part of a planned demolition or construction activity. “We’re still investigating the source of the explosion. Initial assessments suggest a potential gas leak or a malfunction in an underground utility line,” said PSNI Sergeant Fiona McLeod in a statement released later that evening. She added that the area would remain closed until the risk had been fully assessed.

The fire brigade, meanwhile, set up a perimeter around the affected block of houses and began a systematic check for any signs of ongoing fire or chemical contamination. They also set up a temporary shelter for those displaced by the evacuation. The Department of Energy and Climate Action, whose regional office is located in Bangor, was called in to assist with an inspection of the local gas infrastructure. The agency’s chief engineer, Mr. Liam O'Connor, announced that the gas company, Northern Ireland Power (NIP), had already begun a comprehensive review of its pipelines in the area.

Scope of the Evacuation

At the time of the report, the evacuation covered roughly 28 houses along the stretch of Loughfield Road and the adjacent cul de sacs. The PSNI estimate that up to 120 residents—most of them families with children—were affected. “We have set up a temporary accommodation at the Newtownards Community Centre for anyone who needs to leave their homes. We’re also coordinating with the local council to arrange transport for those who are unable to leave on their own,” said local councillor Maria McCormick.

The evacuation order came with a stern warning: residents were advised to stay indoors, turn off any electrical appliances that might be connected to the affected network, and refrain from using open flames. The PSNI also instructed the public to avoid any of the roads leading to the evacuation zone as a precaution.

The evacuation is ongoing, with emergency services continuing to conduct a thorough investigation. The PSNI has requested that the public refrain from using social media to share unverified information about the incident, citing the risk of misinformation and panic.

Background and Prior Incidents

The article contextualised the current evacuation within a broader pattern of incidents in the region. Newtownards, known for its historic town centre and close-knit community, has experienced a handful of utility-related accidents over the last decade. A 2019 gas leak near the Newtownards railway station forced a temporary halt to services, and a 2022 electrical fault in a local school prompted an emergency inspection of the campus wiring.

In light of these past events, local officials emphasised the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards. “We have a duty to protect the public, and that means staying vigilant with our infrastructure,” said County Down Council’s Chief Executive, Dr. Kevin O’Sullivan. He added that the council would review its emergency protocols and coordinate with the PSNI and the fire service to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of the latest updates, the Newtownards Fire and Rescue Service remains on standby, with crews on call around the clock. PSNI officers are conducting controlled demolition drills on adjacent buildings to ensure no secondary explosions occur, while the gas company is testing the integrity of its pipeline network.

The PSNI has set up a dedicated hotline for residents who require urgent assistance or wish to report any additional information about the incident. Residents are also encouraged to check the official PSNI website and the County Down Council’s social media channels for the most current updates.

In a separate but related development, the Department of Energy and Climate Action has issued a brief that will be made available on its website. The briefing will outline the steps being taken to investigate the incident, including potential forensic analysis of the blast site and the possibility of a third‑party safety audit.

Community Reaction

The incident has stirred a wave of concern among Newtownards residents. Social media posts from local figures, such as the mayor and the head of the Newtownards Parish Church, have called for calm and highlighted the necessity of community solidarity during such emergencies. “In times like these, our community’s resilience is tested, and it’s our responsibility to support one another,” wrote Reverend Peter McDonnell.

Despite the anxiety, many residents have expressed confidence in the emergency services’ swift response. “We were relieved to see the police and fire brigade there so quickly,” said Mrs. Fiona Kelly, a resident of Loughfield Road. “I’m grateful for the clear instructions and the temporary accommodation at the community centre.”

Conclusion

The evacuation of homes in Newtownards underscores the fragile nature of our everyday infrastructure and the constant vigilance required to protect public safety. While the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation, authorities have made significant strides in mitigating the immediate risk and ensuring that residents have the support they need. As the emergency services continue their assessment, the community will remain on standby, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to normalcy.