Thousands of Birmingham homes cut off after underground explosion.

Apr 22 2010 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

THOUSANDS of Birmingham homes were left without power after an underground electricity cable cover exploded.

A total of 2,479 homes in Kingstanding and neighbouring areas were cut off following the junction box blast which tripped hundreds of fire alarms.

The explosion in Finchley Road was heard for miles around and, despite happening just before 6am yesterday, prompted hundreds of worried homeowners to call the emergency services.

Mick Clark, watch commander at Perry Barr Fire Station, said it was the second time in two years that particular lid had blown with potentially devastating consequences.

He said: “The cover lifted the actual road surface such was the force of the explosion. A lot of people in the area rang us because they didn’t know what the noise was. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time it could be quite a serious incident.”

Central Networks engineers were able to reconnect all homes affected by 8am yesterday.

A spokesman said: “We have teams at the scene making long-term repairs.We are not yet sure what triggered the cover to blow off.”

Two people were taken to hospital in Coventry on Tuesday after a similar underground explosion, caused by an electrical fault.