UPDATED: Villagers evacuated from more than 70 homes after gas main ruptures in crash

Emergency services are evacuating people from more than 70 homes to safety after a gas main ruptured in a car crash.

A white Citroen Berlingo panel van collided with the main in Stringer House Lane, Emley, at around 6.45am this morning (Tuesday).

The crash caused the main to rupture and villagers are being evacuated to a nearby church as a precaution.

West Yorkshire Police said the driver of the van, a man in his twenties, was not injured.

The road has been closed and Kirklees Council said on Twitter that people from more than 70 homes were being evacuated during the outage.

The council asked affected residents to go to the Emley Methodist Church, Church Street, where staff were providing heating and hot food.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police are working with partners including the fire service and gas board to bring the incident to a safe and timely conclusion.”

Affected residents can contact the help-line on 0800 040 7766.