Two individuals were hospitalised following a suspected gas leak at a Nando's restaurant located in the O2 Centre on Finchley Road, in the Hampstead area of north-west London. The incident prompted an emergency response by the London Fire Brigade, which arrived at the scene shortly after reports of the leak were received at 10:45 am. Firefighters conducted a thorough sweep of the restaurant but did not detect any elevated gas levels. Despite this, a man and a woman were assessed by paramedics at the scene and subsequently taken to hospital for further evaluation.

As a precautionary measure, firefighters isolated the restaurant’s gas supply, and the branch remains closed until further notice. Other outlets within the O2 Centre continue to operate as usual. The emergency personnel worked at the site for nearly two hours before handing over responsibility to the relevant gas authorities. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed these details and emphasised the precautionary nature of the gas supply isolation. The O2 Centre also stated that the situation remains under investigation.

This incident echoes previous cases of gas or chemical leaks within London’s entertainment and commercial venues. Notably, in April 2012, approximately 30 workers at The O2 in Greenwich were hospitalised due to an ammonia leak stemming from an ice rink plant. That event required evacuation and a comprehensive investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Health and Safety Executive, ultimately resulting in the area being declared safe without any harm to the public. Similarly, in October 2007, another ammonia leak at the same venue led to staff being treated for symptoms such as runny noses and itchy eyes.

Other significant gas leak emergencies in London include the evacuation of London’s Olympic Park in March 2022 after a chlorine gas release at the aquatics centre. This incident also necessitated treatment for respiratory issues and an extensive ventilation process to clear the hazardous chemical. More recently, in July 2025, a major response was triggered in Kilburn, north-west London, following another suspected gas leak. Eight people suffered minor injuries, with four requiring hospitalisation. This incident involved coordinated efforts from the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, and London Ambulance Service, alongside evacuation measures for local businesses and residences.

While these incidents vary in their specific causes and chemicals involved, they highlight the ongoing risks associated with gas leaks in densely populated urban environments, particularly within commercial and recreational facilities. The current investigation at the Nando’s underlines the critical importance of swift emergency responses and precautionary measures to ensure public safety, even when initial readings do not indicate immediate danger.

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Source: Noah Wire Services