Workman 'lucky to be alive' following Blackpool explosion

10:20am Friday 25th July 2008

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A workman suffered serious burns to his upper body when he drilled through an electricity cable, causing an explosion.

Fire officers said contractor, Ian Chapman, 29, who works for J W Signs, was lucky to be alive after he was briefly engulfed in flames and thrown into the air.

The explosion happened yesterday morning at 10.15am as Mr Chapman and a workmate were putting up a sign outside the Traditional Fish and Chips shop, South Promenade, Blackpool.

Emergency services, including two fire crews attended the scene and attended to Mr Chapman in addition making the underground electric cable safe.

Power to several homes and businesses in the Waterloo Road area and South Promenade was lost for several hours due to the accident.

Mr Chapman is currently in a stable condition at the Royal Preston Hospital after suffering burns to his shoulder, arms and face.

Health and safety officers from Blackpool Council have launched an investigation into the incident.