Posted by First Great Western (FGW) says it is in the hands of the emergency services after rail services to Bristol Temple Meads were suspended following a gas explosion in which three people were hurt.
Ambulance and fire crews were called out at about 2.50pm after a series of blasts at the BOC Gases depot at Whitby Road in St Philips.
Three people were injured at the scene – with one reported to have suffered serious burns – and Avon Fire Rescue Service warned there could be further explosions.
Services between Bath Spa and Temple Meads have been suspended, and all services are diverted via Bristol Parkway station.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service say the area will be cordoned off for 27 hours because of the risk of further blasts.
Whitby Road, Feeder Road and other roads within 200 metres of the blast have also been closed and industrial units in the area evacuated.
The Avon Meads shopping centre and multiplex cinema have also been closed for safety reasons.
“We were doing really well in bad weather with 80% of services running and then this happened,” said an FGW spokesman. “It’s impossible to tell when the services will be up and running again, we are in the hands of the emergency services.”
She added that a replacement bus service was operating between Bath and Bristol, with services diverted from Swindon. Those travelling on mainline services to Bristol will still be able to access Parkway station.
An emergency timetable has been put in place, available via the FGW website.
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