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Power, internet access knackered in London after exploding kit burps fire into capital's streets

2,000 people evacuated as electrical blaze rages

Some of the UK's ISPs may want to rethink their routing schemes after a massive fire near Holborn tube station in London knocked out power and internet access across several regions of the capital.

The fire broke out just after midday at an electrical junction box buried under the street near Holborn and spread quickly. Manhole covers belched fire and thick smoke rose from the street, leading fire crews to evacuate 2,000 people and causing power cuts to local businesses.

The blaze appears to have had knock-on effects across the capital for internet services. A Reg reader reports that areas away from the fire in west London, Hammersmith, and Fulham have all lost DSL services, with Easynet reportedly hit hard. There was no response from Easynet as of press time.

Holborn is home to a BT switching station and the company reports that firefighters have been holding off on tackling the blaze until utility companies can disconnect all the power supplies to the area for safety.

If you've been hit by outages, let us know in the comments section. ®

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