Emergency services respond to underground explosion in Dundee

Crews were called to Greenmarket just before 8.30am on Thursday after a caller reported a loud noise and smoke coming from a drain.

Published 5th Jul 2018
Last updated 5th Jul 2018

A number of people have been evacuated after an underground explosion in a Dundee street.

Emergency services went to Greenmarket just before 8.30am on Thursday after a caller reported a loud noise and smoke coming from a drain.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it found a small fire in a sub-surface cable pit, which it put out using a CO2 extinguisher.

Police confirmed the cause had been an electrical fault, which has affected neighbouring properties.

Some of the nearby buildings were evacuated while the incident was dealt with.

Officers advised people to avoid the area while energy supplier Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) handles the incident.

A police spokesman said: "There may be considerable disruption in the area for some time while the problem is investigated and dealt with.

"Please try and stay away from the area if you can. Thank-you for your patience."

An SSEN spokesman said: "At around 8.25am this morning, we received reports of an underground cable fault on our high voltage electricity network which initially affected 39 customers in Dundee city centre.

"Our engineers quickly attended the site to carry out initial investigations and to start restoring supplies to those customers affected.

"As of 10.30am, we have safely restored power to the majority of customers affected, with just six customers currently remaining off supply. We expect all supplies to be restored by midday today.

"We would like to apologise to all customers affected by the fault and thank them for their patience as our engineers work hard to restore power as quickly and safely as possible."