Broad Street evacuated following loud “explosion” at REP Theatre

One of Birmingham’s major entertainment districts was partly evacuated amid reports of an ‘explosion’ last night.

Following a loud bang which some residents claimed to have heard a mile away, West Midlands Police cordoned off a key section of Broad Street in the heart of the city centre.

Major emergency services initially arrived on the scene, restricting access to pedestrians and those out for the evening.

Despite some fearing that there may have been either a gas explosion or even a terrorist attack, following similar incidents in London and Manchester last year, it appeared the ‘explosion’ was non-threatening.

Access to Centenary Square was limited as people were led away from the Repertory Theatre (REP) and the Symphony Hall after the incident, at around 8.00pm yesterday.

As both venues were evacuated, the buzz of the entertainment area ground to a halt, with police cars stationed along Broad Street and neighbouring roads.

With members of the public and press descending on the scene, West Midlands Police allayed undue panic, revealing there had been a “technical fault” in the REP Theatre’s basement, resulting in theatre-goers being moved and looked after at another venue, with no reports of any injuries.

The REP confirmed the “technical fault” on social media, stating the evacuation was “a precautionary measure”. Theatre staff also expressed their relief that nobody had been injured.

A production of Brief Encounter was being staged at the 1,014-capacity theatre, while at the Symphony Hall, folk band Iron and Wine were scheduled to perform.

All of the road closures have now been lifted, while all businesses on Birmingham’s Broad Street, at the heart of the city centre’s leisure scene, remain open for business.