Manhole bursts into flames in Coventry

[dutchman]

A road was closed and people told to stay indoors after flames burst through a manhole in Coventry.

The dramatic incident unfolded in Wainbody Avenue South, Green Lane, at about 12.55pm today.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was set up as firefighters and utility service engineers attended the scene.

One resident said they saw "flames shooting out of the ground".

The fire had burned itself out by 2pm.

It was later discovered the fire was caused by a faulty electricity cable.

Because a gas pipe was running nearby, both services were temporarily disconnected.

West Midlands Fire Service said the road had now re-opened.