A huge blaze ripped through an underground utilities tunnel beneath Holborn this morning, spewing thick black smoke over central London and causing chaos for thousands of commuters. More than 70 firefighters from 10 engines raced to Theobalds Road after fiery explosions tore through electrical cables deep below ground.
Witnesses reported deafening bangs echoing through the tunnels, part of the terrifying inferno that turned 75% of the subterranean passage into a fireball. The London Fire Brigade called it a “protracted incident,” battling the flames throughout the busy rush hour.
Emergency Services Battle Underground Inferno
The fire broke out near the junction of Theobalds Road and Southampton Row, dangerously close to Holborn Tube station. Intense heat caused electrical surges, sparking loud blasts heard by nearby workers and residents.
“Crews are currently dealing with a fire affecting the electrical cables in an underground tunnel,” Station Commander Paul Morgan said. “This is likely to be a protracted incident.”
Firefighters from across London, including Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, and Lambeth, deployed hose reels, water jets, and a 32-metre turntable ladder to douse flames from above. Limited access and poor ventilation made tackling the blaze a serious challenge.
Tube Disrupted, Roads Gridlocked
Transport for London quickly shut down Central Line services between Tottenham Court Road and Chancery Lane. Thousands scrambled for alternatives, cramming onto packed buses and other Tube lines. Bus routes 8, 25, 55, 98, and 176 faced diversions.
Theobalds Road remained closed, with police rerouting traffic through Southampton Row and Kingsway, causing severe gridlock during one of London’s busiest mornings.
“Traffic will be impacted,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned. “We’re working to fully extinguish the fire and make the area safe.”
Smoke Blankets London – Health Warnings Issued
Residents and workers were urged to keep windows and doors shut as acrid smoke spread from Holborn into Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, and the City. The burning electrical cables produced a sickly smell of melting plastic, raising alarm especially for asthma and respiratory sufferers.
Several businesses evacuated, and some offices allowed staff to work from home. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported despite the blaze hitting one of London’s busiest transport hubs during rush hour.
Investigation Underway as Crews Contain Blaze
By midday, firefighters had brought the fire under control but remained on site with dampening and ventilation efforts. Experts believe an electrical fault sparked the blaze, a major concern given London’s ageing underground infrastructure.
The damaged tunnel plays a critical role in powering surrounding buildings and transport networks. Repairs could cause disruption lasting days or even weeks, adding pressure to a transport system already battling strikes and upgrades.
Transport bosses warn commuters to expect delays and heavy crowds on alternative Tube lines. Meanwhile, local businesses near the cordon are losing business as customers avoid the area.
The London Fire Brigade urges the public to follow @LondonFire for updates and consult their website for safety advice. The full damage and recovery timeline remains unclear as London reels from today’s dramatic underground fire.
