City centre evacuated after fire and gas explosion in Spain

A BUSY city centre area had to be evacuated after an explosion and fire in an underground electrical junction box in southern Spain. 

The area around Calle Cuna de Sevilla in the Andalucian capital was sealed off by the emergency services as smoke filled the street.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and brought the situation under control.

Local Police said they believed an electrical fire caused a build-up of gas that blew the manhole cover into the air.

One woman was treated at the scene for a panic attack but no other injuries were reported.