'50 underground explosions' in Kingsbridge

Low-voltage cable to blame

Church Street in Kingsbridge, South Devon remained closed during Thursday afternoon following an explosion at first thought to be caused by a suspected gas leak or electrical shortage coming from under the road.

About 25 people from properties in the area were evacuated and although temporary shelter was being arranged, by late afternoon it was hoped most could return to their homes on Thursday evening. In the meantime, a respite centre was set up to take them in. 

By about 4 p.m. the incident was no longer being treated as a major incident after its caused was confirmed as an isolated low-voltage electrical cabling fault and  not gas-related. 

One person was treated for carbon monoxide inhalation at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

Initially fire, police and engineers from both gas and electric companies attended. Police said they'd had reports of around 50 explosions being heard from under the road. Small explosions and smoke were seen coming up through the pavement.  By late afternoon, police declared the major incident over.

Lee Cotton, Wales & West Utilities Gas Emergency Service Manager for South Devon said:“We were called to reports of an explosion in the Church Street area of Kingsbridge this afternoon (21 January) and immediately sent a team of engineers to the scene.

“On arrival we found that an electrical fault on a cable running beneath Church Street had damaged the road surface. As a precaution, the emergency services evacuated nearby properties and closed the road. No evidence of a gas leak was found at any of the properties, and this issue was not related to the gas network.
 
"If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night."

On Wednesday, a family in Bude had a miraculous escape after their gas cooker blew up, leaving to people slightly injured, but with massive damage to their house (pictured).

A gas explosion in Bude on Wednesday caused extensive damage to this house