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Two injured in underground electricity cable incident in Burch Road, Northfleet, with residents and stores affected by powercut

Two workmen are "lucky to be alive" after they reportedly cut through an underground mains power cable in Northfleet.

The men, who were working on the road outside a Gravesend Church Housing Association development in Burch Road, were left in just their underwear after their clothes were burnt off.

One was said to have a blackened face while the other's legs were red raw.

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Firefighters at the scene in Burch Road, Northfleet
Firefighters at the scene in Burch Road, Northfleet

Edward Matarazzo was in his office at Discount Tile and Stone Warehouse when he heard a massive bang.

"Two lads who must have been from the contractor were digging, maybe to put in access for services," he said.

VIDEO: The workmen are "lucky to be alive"

"They were digging away at about 10.30am. We were sitting inside our office and could hear the machine digging and then all of a sudden we heard a massive bang.

"The power went off in our building and we ran out and these two guys were staggering around.

"One was in his pants and the other in whatever was left, perhaps a pair of pants. One of the lad's faces was black and his hair was singed down to the scalp.

"Their clothes had been completely burnt off. They were smoking."

The scene of the incident in Burch Road, Northfleet. Photo: Edward Matarazzo
The scene of the incident in Burch Road, Northfleet. Photo: Edward Matarazzo

Mr Matarazzo, 48, phoned the emergency services and spoke to the two workmen, who were aged 24 and 29.

Police, firefighters, ambulance crews and the Kent Air Ambulance all attended. The Health and Safety Executive was also present.

VIDEO: Emergency services at the scene

"In the ground, all that was left was the Kango (jackhammer)," said Mr Matarazzo. "They have obviously hit a mains electricity cable. Flames shot up the wooden boards where they were working.

Two men suffered injuries in Burch Road, Northfleet
Two men suffered injuries in Burch Road, Northfleet

"The men were walking around and I was on the phone to the ambulance. One of the lad's legs were red raw and the other's face was black. He tried to wash it and it was also red raw. They were in a bit of shock."

Both men suffered electrical burns and were treated at the scene before one was flown to King's College Hospital in London and the other taken to the same hospital by road.

"When it went bang we thought it was a bomb," said Mr Matarazzo. "I'm surprised they are still alive. They looked quite good for what had happened. One was talking but the other wasn't with it.

Police cordoned off Burch Road following the incident
Police cordoned off Burch Road following the incident

"His face was as black as your screen on your telephone when you turn it off. It was just phenomenal they were still alive."

Residents reported a power failure at the time and several stores were also affected, including Asda, Wickes and B&Q.

The Kent Air Ambulance was called to the incident
The Kent Air Ambulance was called to the incident

Roads surrounding the incident were closed although police had left the area by 1.30pm.

Traders in Gravesend town centre also reported experiencing power issues, including estate agents Balgores in Parrock Street and solicitors Hatten Wyatt in Windmill Street.

UK Power Networks were also at the scene and reported on their website that an underground cable on its high voltage network had "faulted", causing an "area-wide" power cut.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed an inspector was at the site and making "initial inquiries".

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