More than 2,000 people were evacuated Wednesday from a number of buildings in London's Holborn area due to an electrical fire involving cables under a pavement, the London Fire Brigade said.

More than 2,000 people were evacuated Wednesday from a number of buildings in London's Holborn area due to an electrical fire involving cables under a pavement, the London Fire Brigade said. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Fire crews are dealing with an electrical fire among cables under the pavement on Kingsway, Holborn," the London Fire Brigade said in a statement.

The alarm was raised after smoke was seen coming out of a manhole cover on the pavement, according to local fire authorities.

"A large safety cordon is in place and more than 2,000 people have been evacuated from a number of nearby buildings due to the large quantity of thick black smoke in the area," the statement added.

Police closed Kingsway road at both ends and motorists were being advised to avoid the area.

The London Fire Brigade said six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers were at the scene, while crews were waiting for utility companies to disconnect the power supplies before tackling the blaze.

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