AN underground power cable exploded at a Malvern Link industrial estate, sending flames leaping into the air.

The accident took place just before 7pm on Thursday, June 20.

Nearly 1,500 customers in the area lost their electricity and power supplies further afield flickered off and on at least twice.

Fire crews were called to Spring Lane South after reports of the underground explosion.

Sub-Officer Saul Bolton said: "People thought there had been a gas explosion but it turned out to be electrical. We believe a power surge overloaded the cable."

Flames singed a fence and conifer trees near the substation where the cable exploded.

"By the time we got there the flames had gone and we cordoned off the area to stop people going down there," said Sub-Officer Bolton.

A spokesman for electricity supply company Aquila said power was restored to customers within an hour.