LONDON – Five people have been hurt after a “minor explosion” at anunderground station in north London, The Intercept has reported.
Two people were taken to hospital and a further three were treated forminor injuries at the scene following the blast at Southgate just after 7pm.
Scotland Yard said it was investigating the cause of the explosion, whichfollowed reports of of a suspicious package at the station, but theincident is not believed to be terror-relate.link>
“We are not aware of any serious injury,” added a police spokesman.
The force said it was called at 7.03pm to reports of ”an explosion andpeople running at Southgate underground station”.
Witnesses said they could smell burning from outside following theexplosion.
“I was at Southgate station when this commotion started,” wrote a Twitteruser. ”I could smell burning (like rubber) and saw multiple people hurryingfor the exits.”
The Piccadilly linelink> stationwas cordoned off by officers and sniffer dogs were pictured at the scene.UK news in pictures[image: 19 June 2018][image: 18 June 2018][image: 17 June 2018][image: 16 June 2018]50show all
An London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent multiple resources tothe scene, including a number of ambulance crews, our hazardous arearesponse team, a medic in a fast response car, an advanced paramedic and anincident response officer.
“We have treated three patients at the scene for minor injuries and havetaken two people to hospital.
“We remain on scene, working with other emergency service colleagues.”
Fire crews were also sent to the scene.
Residents of nearby homes said they had been evacuated by police.
“Got escorted out of my flat next to Southgate tube station,” tweeted onewoman. “All cornered off but we’re not getting many answers. I have no braon, one hand painted and my hairs wet.
“People just lining the streets at this point.. like something out of afilm right now.”
A nearby gym was also reported to have been evacuated.