'Volcano' jet erupts in Vauxhall

A ruptured water main today triggered a continuous explosion of water 75ft into the air causing heavy traffic delays and the rush-hour closure of a Tube station.

Contractors excavating to find a gas main at Vauxhall Cross "found a water main" instead, said one workman.

The water initially jetted out with such power that it smashed the windows of cars in Vauxhall Bridge Road. "It went off like a volcano," said passer-by Leon Simms, of Clapham.

There was gridlock for two miles around the station as water fountained out from 8am to 11am, drenching the cars stuck in traffic.

A London Underground spokeswoman said the Gas Board was responsible for the burst water main.

"It's looking like Vauxhall Tube station is unlikely to reopen today," she added.