‘Huge explosion’ in Oxfordshire village as 100s lose power

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has confirmed that a power cut is currently impacting around 597 households in the Cholsey area with engineers currently on site.

The situation was first reported to the company at 8.21pm today (Thursday, July 9) with SSEN aiming to restore power by 2.30am tomorrow.

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A spokesperson said: “We have had reports of damage to our network. When this happens, the power will automatically turn off to keep everyone safe.

SSEN (Image: SSEN)

“Our engineers know exactly where the problem is and are working hard to make the situation safe, repair the wire and get your power back on.

“These types of faults often require extensive work and specialist teams, such as tree cutters, which is why the restoration time seems so far away.

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“If we can restore power sooner, we promise we will do so.”

The statement comes after multiple people in Cholsey reported a ‘huge explosion’ with some saying they could hear it from Wallingford.

Others have reported that fire engines have been seen in the area although this has not been confirmed.