An underground electrical fire caused an explosion in Walthamstow last night.

Two manhole covers were blown into the air in Palmerston Road at around 8.30pm.

Forest Road was cordoned off in both directions between the junctions of Palmerston Road and Wellington Road. Nobody was injured.

Transport for London was immediately notified and bus routes 123 and W15 were diverted.

Police and one fire engine were called.

Electrical engineers from UK Power Networks attended and the road was re-opened just before 11pm.

A spokeswoman for the electrical company said: "At 8.27pm last night UK Power Networks was contacted by the fire service after reports were received about an incident involving an electricity cable pit in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

"Power supplies were not affected. UK Power Networks engineers attended swiftly to make the area safe, which is always our top priority. The cause of the incident is being investigated."

 

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