Black Country News: Thousands blacked out by blast; TIPTON.

THOUSANDS of Tipton homes and businesses were left without power after a sub station just yards from a main supply base shorted out, causing a small explosion and fire.

The 11,000-volt sub station - housed in a factory unit on the Great Bridge Industrial Estate at Toll End Road - developed a fault about 2.30 am yesterday, cutting supplies to customers within a square mile of the area.

Firefighters said engineers from the nearby regional headquarters of Central Networks were quickly on the scene and supplies were restored by about 5 am.

Station Officer Andy Marples of Tipton fire station, whose crew attended, said: "There was some sort of explosion at the sub station and a small fire, which burned itself out. The sub station was right opposite the Central Networks headquarters and their engineers were already there by the time we arrived. We just stood by while repairs were carried out and the power was restored."