A loud explosion and subsequent power failure have led to the evacuation of multiple homes in a residential area of Merseyside, with emergency services establishing a major safety cordon.
Emergency Response to 'Huge Bang'
Residents on Summerford Close near Birkenhead reported hearing a "huge bang" shortly after 5pm on Tuesday, December 30. The incident resulted in an immediate loss of power to numerous properties, prompting calls to the emergency services.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) was swiftly dispatched to the scene to assess the situation. They were joined by Merseyside Police, who took charge of public safety, and engineers from the utility company Scottish Power.
Major Safety Cordon and Evacuation
Due to the potential danger, authorities implemented a substantial 30-metre safety cordon around the affected area. Police managed the perimeter while coordinating the evacuation of residents from several properties.
Those forced to leave their homes had to wait outside in cold conditions as the investigation unfolded. Scottish Power engineers are present at the location but are awaiting the arrival of a specialist dig team before they can proceed with repairs, according to the fire service.
Widespread Power Outage Impact
The power cut has affected a significant number of postcodes in the CH42 and CH43 areas. The confirmed affected postcodes are:
- CH42 3TA, CH42 3TB, CH42 3TL, CH42 3UX
- CH42 3YH, CH42 3YJ, CH42 3YL, CH42 3YQ
- CH42 5ND, CH42 5NH, CH42 5NJ
- CH43 1AA
The exact cause of the loud noise and the resulting electrical fault remains under investigation. Emergency services and utility workers are on site working to resolve the issue and ensure it is safe for residents to return to their homes.
