Workman burned in Regent St cable blast

A workman who drilled through a high-power cable causing an explosion in Regent Street was fighting for his life today.

Lunchtime shoppers feared a terrorist attack when the man accidentally snagged the cable in roadworks shortly after 1pm.

The workman, who has not been named, suffered severe burns and was treated at the scene by doctors and paramedics. An air ambulance, fastresponse vehicles and two fire engines attended the scene and the surrounding area was sealed off by police.

A police source said: "It seems he has hit the wrong line and it looks like he is going to pay dearly for it."

Nearby shops, including flagship stores in Oxford Street, faced power cuts as the cable was repaired.

Police were alerted at 1.05pm to reports of a minor explosion in Regent Street, at the junction with Hanover Street. A man who had been working in the road is being treated for 50 per cent burns and is in a life-threatening condition.

"We understand it was an electricalbased incident and only one victim has been reported."

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: "Crews on the scene are treating a man for serious burns. We sent two fast-response vehicles, three ambulances and a hazardous response team. These are being aided by trauma doctors from the air ambulance."

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "We are liaising with the electric company to get some of the electricity switched off."