‘Gasoline-like substance’ in sewer-cleared streets in Lelystad | Inland

The fire brigade started pumping out and flushing the sewer in the night from Saturday to Sunday. The sucked-up water is transported to the water purification company where it ends up in a depot, the municipality reports. “It is expected that the fire brigade will need a few hours, given the large amount that has been found,” said a municipal spokeswoman. When those activities are finished, she says it will be measured again and a decision will be taken as to whether and when the approximately 500 evacuated residents can return. She expects that a decision will be made on this on Sunday morning.

It is still unclear exactly what substance was found. “We hope to get more clarity about this during the night,” said the municipality.

As a precaution about 500 residents had to leave their homes on Saturday evening. The municipality asked them to go to friends and family outside of the affected neighborhood of Punter. If they could not go there, temporary care was available in the De Rietlanden school, according to the municipality. “An overnight stay has been arranged at a hotel in the city for about 25 people who reported there,” said a spokeswoman earlier.

At first it was thought that it was gas, but the air appeared to be coming from the sewer.

Temporary shelter was arranged for residents at the De Rietlanden school community, in another part of the city. Some of the residents went to see family or friends. The Red Cross was also there to help with the reception. Volunteers had set up beds, chairs and tables and reassured residents, a spokesman said. Several evacuees are infected with the corona virus or are in quarantine. They had to be taken care of separately from the others.

The emergency services are on site with many people and equipment. The police have cordoned off the area and closed all roads into the neighborhood. As a precaution, the ambulance is also on site. At the beginning of the evening, an NL alert was sent to the entire neighborhood.

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