Two hospitalised after suspected gas leak at Nando’s in Hampstead
Emergency crews respond to reported leak at O2 Centre; no elevated gas levels detected, but two people were taken to hospital as safety precautions
Two people were rushed to hospital after a suspected gas leak at a Nando’s restaurant in the O2 Centre in Hampstead, north-west London, prompting an urgent response from the London Fire Brigade. Firefighters were dispatched at 10:45 a.m. to the ground-floor outlet inside the Finchley Road shopping centre, where reports described a possible gas leak.
The London Fire Brigade said crews conducted a systematic sweep of the property and did not detect any elevated gas readings. Nevertheless, a man and a woman were assessed by paramedics at the scene and were taken to hospital for further checkups. Firefighters isolated the restaurant’s gas supply as a precaution, and the branch remained closed while investigators worked to determine the cause.
The incident unfolded on the ground floor of the O2 Centre, a busy indoor mall along Finchley Road. Firefighters remained on site for nearly two hours, working to ensure there were no lingering risks before handing over to the relevant gas authority around 12:28 p.m. The brigade said the initial call came in at 10:45 a.m. and the operation was considered complete shortly after 12:28 p.m., with responsibility then transferred to the gas provider.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters responded to reports of a possible gas leak at a restaurant in a shopping centre on Finchley Road. Crews carried out a systematic sweep of the property and detected no elevated readings. A man and a woman were assessed on scene by paramedics, before being removed to hospital. Firefighters isolated the property’s gas supply as a precaution. The brigade was first called about the incident at 10:45 a.m., and the incident was over for firefighters by 12:28 p.m., when responsibility was left with the gas authority.”
A spokesperson for the O2 Centre described the situation as under investigation and said the restaurant would remain closed until further notice. The Nando’s head office, the O2 Centre and the London Ambulance Service were contacted for comment, along with the London Fire Brigade, as part of the follow-up. Such incidents highlight the health risks posed by gas leaks, which can lead to fires or gas poisoning if not promptly contained and assessed.
While no elevated gas levels were detected during the sweep, officials stressed that any suspected leak requires immediate response and thorough evaluation by professionals. Customers on Finchley Road and within the O2 Centre were advised of the situation and asked to avoid the affected area while crews conducted checks. All other outlets in the centre remained open during the investigation.
Health authorities noted that even when readings appear normal, the presence of a gas leak can still pose dangers to people’s health, particularly those with respiratory conditions or heightened sensitivity to gases. Local officials urged patrons and staff to follow guidance from emergency responders and to report any symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or nausea. The investigation into the source of the reported leak continues, with investigators coordinating with the gas company to determine next steps and any required remediation.
In the hours after the incident, the O2 Centre reiterated that the restaurant would stay closed pending a full assessment. The surrounding stores in the mall continued to operate normally, and a temporary disruption to the Nando’s location was not expected to affect other tenants beyond the immediate site of the incident.