Three injured in London pavement explosion

25 May 2012
A woman suffered serious burns and two others were injured when a pavement exploded under their feet in a freak accident in a London street, according to the Evening Standard. One of the women, aged 55, suffered 20 per cent burns in the blast in Edgware Road and was said to have suffered “life-changing” injuries.


It happened at 5.45pm on May 24 on the corner of Edgware Road and Burwood Place, sparking panic as pedestrians ran for cover amid fears a bomb had exploded.

Later it was reported that the explosion may have been caused by an electrical fault among cables running under the pavement.

All three were taken to St Mary’s Hospital, where the 55-year-old was detained overnight. A 32-year-old was transferred to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital while a 20-year-old was discharged to attend a burns unit today.

A spokeswoman for UK Power Networks said: “UK Power Networks was deeply concerned to hear about the injuries caused following an incident in Edgware Road… We wish the injured people a full and speedy recovery.

“Our engineers and forensic experts began an investigation on site last night and to date have found no damage with our underground electricity distribution network at this location. We continue to work with the relevant bodies to help understand what caused the incident.”
Source http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/50644/Three-injured-in-London-pavement-explosion.aspx?AreaID=2