Smoke was seen rising in the Holborn area, near Holborn station, with emergency services flooding the road yesterday (November 26).
Firefighters discovered high-voltage electrical cables alight below street level at Theobalds Road – near the junction with Southampton Row – prompting a complex and hazardous operation in the streets above.
Today (November 27) Southampton Row remains closed both ways between High Holborn and Vernon Place as an investigation into the matter continues.
As a result, several bus routes will be diverted from the area including the 1, 14, 19, 38, 55, 59, 68, 133 and SL6 services.
The London Fire Brigade called the incident yesterday a “prolonged operation” due to the complexity of tackling the blaze underground.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to the scene at 9.41am, with the fire under control by 2.07pm.
No injuries were reported and the brigade has since launched its investigation.
Throughout yesterday, cars were gridlocked in the Holborn area as they could slowly travel during all the road closures.
It is unclear if the same issue will persist during the extended closures today.
Station Commander Paul Morgan, who was at the scene, said: “The incident is still causing significant disruption in central London, with multiple road closures and a safety cordon currently in place.
“Several bus routes have been diverted, and the public are advised to continue to avoid the area where possible.”
