Thousands of residents have been left without electricity and dozens of homes evacuated after a massive fire broke out at an electrical substation in Hayes, west London.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, has caused widespread disruption, with 17,000 properties losing power following the blaze at a construction site on Nestles Avenue.
The fire, believed to have been triggered by an explosion at the substation, led to a major emergency response. Ten fire engines, along with specialist high-volume pumps and bulk foam units, were deployed to the scene as flames engulfed the site.
Emergency Evacuations and Power Cuts
Dozens of residents living nearby were evacuated from their homes as a precaution due to the risk of further explosions and heavy smoke.
Local authorities confirmed that emergency rest centres have been set up to accommodate affected families, while engineers are working around the clock to restore electricity to thousands of properties.
A spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade said:
“This is a significant incident requiring a large-scale response. Crews are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and reduce the impact on the surrounding community.”
Travel Disruption and Road Closures
The blaze has also led to major traffic disruption, with road closures in place around North Hyde Road and Station Road. Several local bus services have been diverted, and residents have been urged to avoid the area until further notice.
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Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang before thick smoke began rising from the site. One local resident said:
“There was a huge explosion just after midnight—then everything went dark. We’ve had no power since and could see flames from our window. It was terrifying.”
Investigation Underway
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but authorities have yet to confirm whether foul play or an equipment fault was involved. The London Fire Brigade and Met Police are expected to conduct a joint inquiry once the site is declared safe.
Public Urged to Stay Away
Police and fire crews have urged people to stay away from the affected zone while emergency services continue their work.
“We understand the frustration caused by the disruption and power outage, but public safety is our top priority,” a police spokesperson said.
