Five injured after 'battery short circuit causes explosion' at Tube station
Five people were injured after an explosion at a London Tube station thought to have been caused by a battery short circuit.
Officers were called to reports of people running at Southgate Tube station shortly after 7pm on Tuesday.
A man on a "packed" escalator said some people had been "trampled" in the commotion.
London Ambulance Service said two people had been taken to hospital and three others were treated at the scene in north London for minor injuries.
#Southgate station has been examined by specialist officers. It appears at this stage that the cause of the explosion was a battery short circuit. https://t.co/QeRwvpumh0pic.twitter.com/o4IA1MDQxY
-- Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 19, 2018
A spokeswoman said: "We have treated three patients at the scene for minor injuries and have taken two people to hospital."
The Metropolitan Police said: "It appears at this stage that the cause of the explosion was a battery short circuit.
"The Met Police and BTP (British Transport Police) are working together to establish the full facts."
James Ayton, 34, from Southgate, was on the "packed" escalator when he saw a "quick burst" of flames at the top and said everyone "legged it".
He said there had been a "very rapid whooshing sound".
He added: "A few people got trampled on on the escalator. There was screaming.
"An old woman got trampled on. I had to carry a woman up the stairs. I think she was in shock to be honest. She couldn't walk, shaking."
The incident at Southgate Tube station has now been confirmed as non suspicious. Thanks to @BTP, @metpoliceuk, @tfl staff and the emergency services for a swift and professional response. Follow @tfltravelalerts for travel updates this evening as services resume. https://t.co/AnT8iH3i6w
-- Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 19, 2018
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised emergency services for "a swift and professional response" to the incident.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the incident was not believed to be terror-related.
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