09/04/2015
Underground Fire Caused By Electrical Fault
A major underground fire in central London on 01 April was caused by an electrical fault, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has ruled.
The fire caused a major power outage in Holborn and lead to the evacuation of some 5,000 local residents.
Fire fighters fought the blaze for more than 36 hours earlier this month.
LFB investigators have now found that an electrical fault in the Victorian tunnels damaged an eight inch gas main, which ruptured and fuelled the fire.
"This technically difficult fire shows just how complex London can be and how unseen risks underneath the capital can significantly affect businesses, residents and the day-to-day running of parts of the capital," London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said."Thankfully, large underground fires like this one, which have such a wide impact, are very rare and seldom cause injuries."
(MH)
The fire caused a major power outage in Holborn and lead to the evacuation of some 5,000 local residents.
Fire fighters fought the blaze for more than 36 hours earlier this month.
LFB investigators have now found that an electrical fault in the Victorian tunnels damaged an eight inch gas main, which ruptured and fuelled the fire.
"This technically difficult fire shows just how complex London can be and how unseen risks underneath the capital can significantly affect businesses, residents and the day-to-day running of parts of the capital," London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said."Thankfully, large underground fires like this one, which have such a wide impact, are very rare and seldom cause injuries."
(MH)
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