‘Explosion’ Sound Caused By Fault At Electricity Sub Station

An explosion sound heard in Market Harborough yesterday was caused by a fault at an electricity substation.

Concerned residents called 999 after hearing the loud bang and seeing electrical flashes and smoke coming from area in The Furlongs, just off Rockingham Road.

The vibrations also set off car alarms in the area of the Ashley Way estate.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service say crews were called just after 9.30am and after investigating confirmed there was no fire.

The electricity substation

A spokesperson for National Grid said: “We can confirm that a fault occurred at the substation at Market Harborough yesterday (Sunday 6 August)  causing a short flash, which may have been seen or heard by local people.

“Power supplies to homes were not affected as the high voltage substation is used to power an electricity generation site.

“Engineers from National Grid restored the connection by re-routing electricity around the fault and isolating the damaged part of the network.

“A permanent repair will be carried out at the substation this week.’