A man has been charged with drink driving after a crash which triggered a huge gas leak in Croydon.

On Sunday, September 29 shortly after 1am, police were called to Mitcham Road to reports of a crash.

The road was closed, and a man was taken to hospital.

The 59-year-old was then charged with drink driving and for driving without due care and attention.

He will appear at Croydon Magistrates Court on Monday, October 14.

After the crash, two fire engines and three fire rescue units were called to the gas leak.

A six-inch gas main had ruptured as the car has collided with roadworks.

Around 300 people were then evacuated from surrounding homes and moved to “a nearby rest centre”.

No injuries were reported to London Fire Brigade and a cordon was put in place until around lunchtime today (Monday, September 30).

Local resident Carolyn Lipczynski claims that they were directed to a cemetery and allegedly spent six hours in the freezing cold, unable to return home.

The police reportedly mentioned that Croydon Council was working to provide buses or a community centre for warmth, but she says nothing materialised.

She explained that blankets were eventually brought by the police from a nearby hospital.

Carolyn, who had her six-year-old child and dog with her, expressed anger towards the council for their lack of support, especially as they couldn't afford a hotel.

Croydon Council has been approached for further information.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “On Sunday, 29 September police were called to Mitcham Road following reports of a Road Traffic Collison involving one car at 01:10hrs.

“Police attended the scene and assisted with road closures.

“One man was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

“A 59-year-old man was arrested and charged with drink driving and for driving without due care and attention.

“He will appear at Croydon Magistrates Court on Monday, 14 October.

“Enquiries are on-going.”

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Two fire engines and three fire rescue units were called to a gas leak on Mitcham Road in Croydon in the early hours of Sunday morning (29 September).

“A six-inch gas main ruptured following a road traffic collision where a car was in collision with roadworks.

“Around 300 people were evacuated from surrounding properties by the Brigade and Met police and residents moved to a nearby rest centre.

“A 100-metre cordon was put in place and the road remained closed until Sunday lunchtime.

“No injuries were reported.”

Station Commander Tamer Ozdemir who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked closely with emergency service partners to carry out evacuations of the local area. Multi-agency service partners remained on scene throughout the night and into Sunday morning to ensure the scene was safe and provide community support.

“Motorists were advised to avoid the area while the road closures were in place.”