A MAJOR fire has broken out in an underground tunnel with thick plumes of smoke seen rising from below the ground.
Ten fire engines and almost 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the huge blaze in an underground utilities tunnel.
The massive emergency response was sparked after the inferno erupted in Holborn, London, earlier today.
The London Fire Brigade’s 999 control officers have taken a whopping 18 calls about fire.
Crews from Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, Lambeth and surrounding fire stations have been deployed to fight the blaze.
Images from the scene show a huge pillar of smoke rising from the tunnel and into the sky.
The central London street has been almost completely obscured by the thick, black smoke rising from the blaze.
The flames have caused a significant disruption in central London as roads in the surrounding area are closed.
Fire crews are desperately battling to bring the inferno under control but a senior firefighter has warned the incident is likely to remain ongoing for some time. .
Station Commander Paul Morgan, who is currently at the scene, said: “Crews are currently dealing with a fire affecting the electrical cables in an underground tunnel.
“This is likely to be a protracted incident.
“The incident is causing significant disruption in central London, with multiple road closures and a safety cordon in place.
“Bus routes have been diverted, and people are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
