Suspected battery explosion at London subway station injures 5; man arrested, police say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A man was arrested Wednesday after a suspected battery explosion at a London subway station left five people injured, police said.
The explosion believed to be caused by a faulty drill battery was reported at the Southgate tube station Tuesday evening, causing flames to shoot 6 feet high, Sky News reported.
"A 23-year-old from Enfield was arrested on suspicion of doing an act likely to cause an explosion to injure or damage property, and endangering safety on the railway,” police said in a statement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The suspect was released pending further inquiry. No further information about the man was released.
Witnesses said people on a packed escalator were trampled while escaping the fire. Haluk Ozkan told the BBC he was standing outside the subway station when he got a whiff of “burning rubber” smell.
"We then saw people rushing to get out of the station. Not necessarily running or panicking, but moving quickly," he recalled. "Then my partner saw a station staff member pointing a fire extinguisher at something and heard it go off, but we didn't see what it was directed at."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Five people suffered minor injuries. Three people were treated at the scene and two others were taken to the hospital.
Police said the incident is believed to be not terror-related.