A huge fire broke out in an electrical station in West London's Hayes area of England, causing several areas in the city to experience blackouts. The blaze erupted around 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, prompting 10 fire brigades and 70 firefighters to rush to the spot after a distress call.
"Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to a fire on Nestles Avenue in Hayes," the London Fire Brigade said in a post on X and said 180 calls to a fire at a substation have been received after the incident.
In a recent post, the London Fire Brigade requested residents in the area to shut their doors and windows. "The fire at an electrical substation in Hayes is producing a significant amount of smoke. Please keep your windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible."
The local police have cordoned off a 100-metre area and advised locals to avoid the route and take alternative routes to reach their desired destination. Residents have also been warned of a large-scale power outage in the area.
Power Cut in Several Areas
Complete Blackout in Hayes
“We’re aware of a widespread power cut affecting many of our customers around the Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas. “We’re estimating for power to be restored by 3 am,” Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said in a post on X. According to the Powertrack site, around 16,000 households are thought to be affected.
Crews from nearby fire stations, including Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, and Southall, have all been mobilised to the scene. However, no injuries or casualties have so far been reported in the following incident. An eyewitness in the area said explosions from the substation were heard.
Fire at Electrical Station in London
Several footage and videos shared on social media show large blankets of flames and smoke coming out from the station, which is close to Heathrow Airport in London.