Explosion hurls metal grid near pedestrians
AN electrical box junction exploded in the centre of Stockport, hurling a metal grid into the air which ‘missed elderly pedestrians by centimetres.’
The fire service were called to reports of smoke coming from the device on Lower Hillgate at 11.20am yesterday morning.
Eyewitnesses said a loud bang came from the link box and a cast iron sheet covering the electrics was blown off ‘10ft in the air’ before falling close to elderly passersby.
Emergency crews were called and a cordon was placed around the box.
Electricity North West said engineers were sent to the site and the electricity supply was switched off while an assessment was made.
It was unknown how many people were affected by the power cut.
There were no reports of any injuries.
A witness tweeted: “Grid just exploded and flew 10ft in the air, missing elderly passers by centimetres. Fire engine on scene.”
A spokesman for the fire service said: “We were called at 11.20am to Lower Hillgate, Stockport, to reports of smoke coming from a grid on the roadway.
“There was a loud bang and then smoke was seen coming from it.
“One cast iron cover from an electrical junction box has blown off.
“We have got a cordon in place and we are awaiting the arrival of Electricity North West.
“One crew from Stockport is in attendance.”
A statement from Electricity North West said: “We received a call from the fire brigade at around 11.30am. We have got a link box on fire. At the moment engineers are on site.
“We are going to remove the electricity supply shortly so they can carry out an assessment.
“We don’t know how many customers this will affect or for how long this will be yet.”