Fire damage repairs in Holborn

Massive fire damage in Holborn

More than 2,000 people were evacuated from buildings along a main road in central London after an electrical fire sent thick black smoke billowing into the air. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were called to the scene in Kingsway, a busy route through central London. Dramatic scenes of pavements ‘exploding’ were broadcast on news channels across the world.

SQS Response

Extensive damage was caused to electricity assets across a wide area and a massive programme of renewal had to be completed in record time after the fire had been put out. SQS, working for their client UK Power Networks (UKPN), completed extensive reinstatement across road and footway surfaces.

Large Scale Repair Effort

The photos show the huge scale of the repair effort and the need for close partnership working between SQS and UKPN. SQS deployed resources for muck-away and materials in addition to the high-quality reinstatement. With such a large area of central London affected it was essential to work efficiently so that services could be restored and traffic allowed to use the roads again.

Praise for SQS

The restoration of essential services to local properties was completed in record time. The contribution of the SQS team in ensuring roads and footpath were reinstated and opened again to public use was recognised by the Director of UK Power Networks.