BREAKING: Enormous FIRE and explosion causes massive power outage in Lincolnshire
A MAJOR blaze at a sub-station has caused a black out across Lincolnshire.
The blaze could be seen from 15 miles away
An explosion was heard shortly after a fire engine was seen approaching the sub-station in Spring Gardens, Grantham next to the East Coast railway line.
Flames were seen blasting out of the sub-station's roof while a large plume of smoke could be seen from 15 miles away.
The windows shook, it was like an earthquake
Power was out at the railway station and traffic lights are also said to be down.
Offices and shops across the town where Margaret Thatcher grew up were left without any light or electricity.
About 2,000 homes were also affected as the sun set.
Thousands of commuters have been delayed as train services between London and Edinburgh are affected, including trains going to Leeds, Newcastle and Nottingham.
#Fire raging at the Electricity Sub-Station on Spring Gardens @GranthamJournal #Grantham pic.twitter.com/y8nkGMBz3F
— Mark Hipkiss (@F1Hippo) March 22, 2016
The East Coast mainline has been closed at Grantham and Virgin Trains confirmed the fire is believed to involve dangerous gas cylinders.
Judi Brooks, who works near the scene, told the Sleaford Standard: "The windows shook, it was like an earthquake, that's the only way I can describe it."
Massive flames could be seen coming from the sub-station
Smoke could be seen from 15 miles away
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: "We and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to the EON electricity sub-station at Spring Gardens, London Road, Grantham about 5.15 this evening.
“We have been asked to close off London Road (the A52) and some of the side roads (including Spring Gardens) whilst Fire and Rescue deal with the fire.
“It is not known at this stage what caused the fire and we do not believe anyone has been injured.”
More to follow...