Nelson man hit by fireball

8:49am Thursday 24th July 2008

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A NELSON man was hit by a fireball after an electrical explosion blasted out from under a pavement.

The incident has left a six-foot hole in Charles Street, Nelson.

A resident heard a bang outside his house at around 1.30am this morning and went outside his front door to see what had happened.

As he opened the door he was hit by another explosion.

Crew manager Matt Armstrong from Nelson fire service said a fireball shot up from under the pavement and hit the man.

He sustained minor burns to his hands, arms, face and his hair was singed.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he is being treated.

Firefighters cordoned off the area while a utility company repaired the fault.

Most of the electricity was back on by 5.30am.

Police also attended the scene.

At its peak it is believed the electricity had gone out as far as Brierfield.

Were you affected by the incident? Add your comments below.