Cross re-opens following “mighty explosion”

Scottish Power engineers are this morning dealing with the aftermath of what one reader described as a “mighty explosion” at The Cross in the middle of Welshpool last night.

Emergency services rushed to the town centre last night following the reports at about 7.35pm to find that the mains electrical box had blown outside The Royal Oak Hotel.

The area was immediately cordoned off to allow fire fighters to survey the scene and distinguish any underground fires. The area is back open this morning with traffic flowing through all directions.

One reader told us they were watching television at the top of High Street when her windows shook following the explosion.

“It was a mighty explosion and completely stunned me,” she said.

Another said that “I heard the bang and thought it was fireworks!”.

The area has been subject to callous drug gangs using empty premises to grow cannabis by tapping into the mains electricity. It has not been confirmed whether there is a connection.

Firefighters from Welshpool Fire Station located 500m down Berriew Street attended and this morning a spokesperson said: “At 7.35pm on Tuesday, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Welshpool Fire Station was called to an incident at The Cross in Welshpool.

“The crew, travelling in two fire engines, responded to a fire involving one electrical box. A Scottish Power engineer also responded to the scene. The roads around the area were closed to traffic and pedestrians while the scene was assessed.

“Dyfed-Powys Police was also in attendance.  No further action was required by Fire and Rescue Service crews and they left at 9.53pm.”

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