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INCIDENTS: SPATE ‘PAVEMENT EXPLOSIONS’ INVESTIGATED
Pavement explosions injure at least seven pedestrians in recent months
It has been reported by the London Standard that a series of pavement explosions has injured at least seven pedestrians in London in recent months. The report follows a case in which a woman suffered 20 per cent burns. HSE are now investigating and are understood to be aware of a number of ‘pavement explosions’ over the the past 19 months.
A solicitor representing one victim told the Standard that UK Power Networks was denying all liability adding:
“They are saying there was a build up of gases which was beyond their control. This defies logic, if that was the case it would be happening all over the place. It is not good enough to just say ‘oh well, these cases happen.’ This may be their usual defence and people go away. These gases do not just explode on their own, there must be a fault in their system. “
UK Power Networks spokesman told the Standard:
“We would like to reiterate that events are unusual. The safety of our staff and customers is our main priority. We undertake a robust programme of regular checks and maintenance on our overhead lines and underground cables plus associated equipment. “
A HSE spokesperson commented:
“HSE aware of a number of other incidents in the London area in recent years involving exploding utility equipment, including pit covers and electrical boxes. The majority of these incidents did not result in injury, and were attributed to electrical faults and/or gas leaks. They were investigated with UK Power Networks.
Our prime focus at this time is an ongoing investigation into the latest incident on Edgware Road. We cannot comment or speculate on what caused this particular explosion.”
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