A major gas leak forced the evacuation of the Home Office’s Seacole Building on Marsham Street early Friday morning, leaving staff out in the cold as emergency crews scrambled to contain the incident.
The leak was reported around 9:00 AM on Friday, February 7, 2025, prompting a rapid response from London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews, including hazardous materials (HazMat) officers. Emergency services arrived at the scene outside 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF, where a suspected rupture in a gas main led to a potentially dangerous buildup of fumes.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Authorities swiftly evacuated the Seacole Building, which houses key government departments, including the Home Office. Witnesses described hundreds of staff standing outside in freezing conditions as fire crews assessed the situation.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed:
“We were called at 9:00 AM to reports of a gas leak outside the Home Office. Crews, including HazMat officers, attended the scene to isolate the leak and ensure public safety.”
Nearby roads were cordoned off, and staff were advised to avoid the area while engineers worked to identify the source of the leak. Firefighters used gas detection equipment to monitor the air quality, ensuring there was no immediate risk of ignition.
Disruption to Government Operations
The gas leak caused significant disruption to operations at the Home Office, with some staff relocated to alternative government buildings. Officials have not confirmed whether Home Secretary or other senior ministers were present at the time of the evacuation.
Local businesses and other government offices in the area were also affected, with some employees told to work remotely until the situation was under control.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the gas leak remains under investigation, but early reports suggest it may have been linked to ongoing construction or maintenance work near the building. Gas engineers from Cadent Gas were called to the scene to assess and repair the damaged pipeline.
As of midday, emergency services reported that the situation was “under control”, but Marsham Street remained partially closed to traffic as a precaution.
Public Safety Warning
Authorities have urged residents and businesses in the area to report any signs of gas leaks, including a strong smell of gas, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police advised:
“If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Ongoing Updates
As emergency crews continue to monitor the situation, further updates are expected throughout the day. Home Office officials have not confirmed when staff will be allowed to return to the building.
More to follow.
