Substation ‘explosion’ leaves Epsom, Ewell and Cheam residents and businesses without power

The effects of the small blast in Tayles Hill Drive, Ewell, at 10.06pm were reportedly felt across the borough as some residents were left in darkness for more than four hours.

It's not the powercut I mind (we ate the ice cream) more the house security alarms wailing. #darkbutnotquiet #ewell

— Elly (@Hot_Cut) 1 June 2017

Ewell Village Residents’ Association chairman Brian Angus said he was “out and about” when the power went out, and helped guide firefighters to the substation.

He said residents had got in touch with him to say the power outage had spread as far as Reigate Road, Ewell and the Nonsuch Estate in Cheam.

“Nearby residents were startled by the force of the explosion,” Mr Angus added.

And there I was watching a programme on renewable energy when my street has a total blackout, ironic!  #ewell

— BBB (@SaHkBowmanUk) 1 June 2017

UK Power Networks’ engineers reconnected electricity supplies for 396 customers in the West Street area of Ewell in stages between midnight and 2.08am.

A spokeswoman said: “Power was interrupted last night after a fault on a piece of equipment at an electricity substation.

“Our engineers worked as quickly and safely as possible to reconnect all electricity supplies in stages. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.”

Power cut in Ewell, Epsom, UK. #powercut #Ewell

— ZombieLDNworker (@LDNWorkingDead) 1 June 2017

Firefighters from Banstead fire station were sent to a small fire at the substation last night, a Surrey Fire and Rescue spokesman added.

Were you affected by last night's powercut? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk