Holborn Fire: Road closures in Kingsway to continue for 'at least a month'

Roads surrounding an underground blaze which took place earlier this month in central London are to remain closed for “at least a month”.

The fire, beneath Kingsway in Holborn, raged on for two days and forced 5,000 people to be evacuated from properties in the area on April 1.

Witnesses said the blaze caused “pavements to explode” as nearby roads were closed off and thousands of properties lost power, forcing West End shows to cancel their performances.

Camden Council has said northbound Kingsway will continue to remain closed for the most of April as urgent work is carried out.

A statement said: “Due to ongoing forensic work, the removal of damaged utility equipment and necessary repairs to the tunnel we anticipate that the northbound carriageway will remain closed for at least a month.”

The statement said Keeley Street will also remain closed, with businesses and residents forced to report to manned gates in order to access the area.

Kingsway, between Theobald’s Road and Aldwych, will close this evening at 9pm and re-open again at 3am on Monday to carry out road surface repairs.

Great Queen Street to Southampton Row will remain open to traffic.

Businesses affected by the closure have been asked to contact the council to arrange deliveries as vehicles are still not allowed to travel to buildings.