A car has collided with two gas mains on Ringwood Road in Verwood on Friday evening resulting in a large fire and road closure.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
Residents were being advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed whilst police, the fire brigade and the gas company dealt with the situation. Ringwood Road near the junction with Lake Road was closed as a result of the incident.
10am update: The road is now open as usual.
Local residents reported ‘loud bangs’, ‘explosions’ along with helicopter noises and sirens around 8.30pm on social media.
A statement from Dorset Police says: “We were called at 8.26pm today, Friday 11 January 2019, to reports that a car had left Ringwood Road at the junction of Noon HiIl Road in Verwood and had come to rest in the driveway of an address before catching fire. As a result of the collision two gas mains have been damaged. Residents in three nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution.
“Officers and the fire service are at the scene along with staff from the gas company. Ringwood Road has been closed at the junctions of Black Hill and Woodlinken Drive.”