An exclusion zone has been lifted around a fire at an electricity sub-station that has killed one person.
At 4pm, firefighters were reported to be making "steady progress" using foam to tackle the fire, which started following an explosion in Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, at about 12.15pm.
Flames immediately took hold of the building following the explosion in Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, at about 12.15pm.
A quarter of the building was already alight when crews arrived.
Initial reports from the fire service of evacuations appear to have been incorrect.
Chelmsford Crown Court has closed after the explosion shut down power to a large area of the town. Essex County Council buildings have also been affected by the loss of power.
Thousands of people have been left without electricity following the explosion at
the substation, near Anglia Ruskin University's Rivermede campus.
EDF Energy has confirmed the blaze at the main substation for the north of the town has cut off electricity to parts of the Melbourne and Broomfield areas. Boreham and other areas might also be affected.
Broomfield Hospital's power supply was also affected, although an NHS
spokesperson confirmed the emergency generators that prevent total blackout
at the hospital meant there was no interruption of supply.
Prevailing winds were believed to be carrying the smoke towards the town centre.
Assistant Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick, officer-in-charge at the scene, said: "This is a large fire in an electrical sub-station which operates at 132 kilo-watts and supplies power to north Chelmsford.
"Our crews are fighting the fire with the foam as there is oil and other substances alight creating fires which cannot be fought with water.
"The fire is in a building containing electrical switching equipment and a transformer.
"This is likely to be a protracted incident and we are warning residents to keep their doors and windows closed."
Although residents are not being evacuated at the moment, anyone living within a mile of the fire - particularly residents on the Melbourne estate - are being advised to keep all doors and windows firmly closed so they do not breathe in the smoke.
Essex Police have released no further information about the person killed
during the incident at this stage.
More on this breaking story online later and in tomorrow's Gazette1:27pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: asto, Colchester on 2:16pm Wed 7 May 08
Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.
Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.
Posted by: Crazy Eddy, Frinton on 2:30pm Wed 7 May 08
Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, at about 12.15pm?
Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, at about 12.15pm?
Posted by: Dustin Diamond, Saved By The Bell on 3:09pm Wed 7 May 08
I think he means no location in the headline Eddy - you crazy old fool.
Wow, a real news story. What happened to flip flops for drunks and school tie shortages stories...?
I think he means no location in the headline Eddy - you crazy old fool.
Wow, a real news story. What happened to flip flops for drunks and school tie shortages stories...?
Posted by: Tim, Colchester on 3:21pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]asto[/bold] wrote:
Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.[/quote] Welcome to the Evening Gazette site, as a regular i can tell you that things will be hyped up or details left out all together depending on the required "spin".
You also notice that the "reporters" won't even put their own names to the weaker news pieces.
asto wrote:
Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.
Welcome to the Evening Gazette site, as a regular i can tell you that things will be hyped up or details left out all together depending on the required "spin".
You also notice that the "reporters" won't even put their own names to the weaker news pieces.
Posted by: John, Colchester on 4:39pm Wed 7 May 08
Not sure what happened at 12.15 but my office is in the affected area and the power didn't seem to go until at least 1 if not later. I should know I came home at 2 and have been soaking up the sun with a beer and a book ever since!
Not sure what happened at 12.15 but my office is in the affected area and the power didn't seem to go until at least 1 if not later. I should know I came home at 2 and have been soaking up the sun with a beer and a book ever since!
Posted by: David, Chelmsford on 4:42pm Wed 7 May 08
Power went in waterloo lnae about 12.20 was off for an hour.
Power went in waterloo lnae about 12.20 was off for an hour.
Posted by: local, essex on 5:18pm Wed 7 May 08
these people risk their lives every day just so me and you can have electricity,unfortun
e accident happened today,lets have some repect for them all and their families.my parther works in one of these and until you hear about the dangers inside them you dont realise what these people risk,next time you switch on the tv give a thought
these people risk their lives every day just so me and you can have electricity,unfortun
e accident happened today,lets have some repect for them all and their families.my parther works in one of these and until you hear about the dangers inside them you dont realise what these people risk,next time you switch on the tv give a thought
Posted by: I'll have a 'P' please Bob, Spain on 5:18pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote]Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.[/quote]
Shut up!!!
Why when every other story you publish has a location next to it, do you not print a location on a story such as this, which you know is guaranteed to worry people - this is sensationalist journalism with a deliberate negative intention.
Shut up!!!
Posted by: Roy Smedley, Chelmsford on 6:42pm Wed 7 May 08
It brings back the spirit of the blitz I can tell you.
I'm 85 now. but I remember what it was like to have powercuts every night. You youngsters dont know your born
It brings back the spirit of the blitz I can tell you.
I'm 85 now. but I remember what it was like to have powercuts every night. You youngsters dont know your born
Posted by: tom crowe, brentwood on 9:11pm Wed 7 May 08
i am a scoolchild in kegs, about 500m down the road. this is all true so stop critiscising it.
i am a scoolchild in kegs, about 500m down the road. this is all true so stop critiscising it.
Posted by: ExPatNortholtGirl, Colchester on 9:46pm Wed 7 May 08
My other half too works for EDF and this has hit very close to home. This poor soul went out to work this morning and now he's dead. It's heartbreaking for his family and very sobering for those of us whose partners work in these environments every day. My prayers are with this mans family tonight.
My other half too works for EDF and this has hit very close to home. This poor soul went out to work this morning and now he's dead. It's heartbreaking for his family and very sobering for those of us whose partners work in these environments every day. My prayers are with this mans family tonight.
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