A major fire erupted in a central London tunnel Wednesday morning, triggering a massive response from emergency services. Ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters are currently battling the blaze within an underground utilities tunnel on Theobalds Road in Holborn.
The first calls reporting the fire came in shortly after 10:00 AM, sending crews from across London – Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, and Lambeth – converging on the scene. Thick smoke billowed from access points near the Holborn Underground station, immediately raising concerns.
Station Commander Paul Morgan described the situation as “protracted,” explaining that the fire is impacting electrical cables deep within the tunnel network. He emphasized the significant disruption to central London, with multiple road closures and a wide safety cordon now in effect.
Authorities have urged Londoners to avoid the Holborn area entirely, as bus routes are being diverted and traffic is heavily impacted. Witnesses reported power fluctuations in nearby offices, with some experiencing multiple power outages as the fire escalated.
Social media quickly filled with images and accounts of the unfolding emergency. One user described seeing flames coming from beneath the street, while another reported a “serious fire” engulfing the area. The scene is reminiscent of a 2015 incident in Holborn, where a similar electrical fire forced the evacuation of thousands and even cancelled West End performances.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and investigations will begin once the blaze is fully extinguished. Firefighters are working diligently to contain the fire and prevent further damage to the critical infrastructure beneath the bustling city streets.
The scale of the response underscores the complexity of managing emergencies within London’s intricate network of underground tunnels and utilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the city’s surface.
