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Grid infrastructureUnited KingdomEIR-0094

Substation explosion and fire forces evacuation of GP Surgery in Liverpool

2026Published 7 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectrical
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Substation in car park of Rock Court Surgery, Old Swan, Liverpool
Operator
SP Energy Networks
What
Substation exploded and caught fire
Response
Fire service arrived in nine minutes and used two hose reels
Cause
Not reported

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): SP Energy Networks

What happened

An electrical substation in the car park of Rock Court Surgery, a GP practice and walk-in centre on St Oswalds Street in Old Swan, Liverpool, exploded and caught fire on a Wednesday morning. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived within nine minutes of being alerted to find the substation well alight following an explosion, with the fire having spread to a nearby campervan, which was badly scorched. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to fight the blaze, and a 30 metre cordon was set up around the site.

The road was closed between Edge Lane and Prescot Road. The GP surgery and walk-in centre lost power and were evacuated. A representative from SP Energy Networks (Scottish Power) attended to assess damage and restore power. The fire was reported extinguished within around 20 minutes of ignition.

Contributing factors

Not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. Substations next to medical centres need clear evacuation plans for sudden power loss.
  2. Early isolation by the network operator limits fire spread from a substation to nearby vehicles.
  3. A 30 metre cordon and road closure around an exploded substation protects the public during firefighting.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, spacing, layout and fire spread, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the explosion
  • Age and condition of the substation
  • Duration of power outage
  • Cost of repairs and lost operations

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

msn.com

Other entries that name Liverpool

Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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