Those who thought it might be fireworks quickly realised otherwise
In some initially beguiling footage, a mysterious explosion in
Southampton lit up the night sky and "turned night to day" as people across the city stopped to watch the incredible glow.
Captured by Anthony Weldon across from the River Itchen around 8.26pm on Monday, February 28, the explosion itself originated from St Denys train station, burning from orange and yellow to blue and accompanied by large plumes of smoke for a number of minutes.
https://twitter.com/Antlv426/status/1498395056214089731?s=20&t=ZpJB95TfFaKTuST9VkOGjQ
As per HampshireLive, officials from the British Transport Police (BTP) and Hampshire Constabulary were called to the scene quickly; according to a statement, the cause of the explosion was said to be an "electrical fault" caused by a group of kids who threw a scooter on to the train lines.
Footage from closer by showed an even more mysterious, almost sci-fi looking light show. Definitely not fireworks but you'd be forgiven for being equal parts confused and concerned if you came across this.
https://twitter.com/HatherleySam/status/1498591495724703748?s=20&t=yBsgfh6DAKiyxtEnyHmFtA
Naturally, regular service was interrupted and lines are still being inspected/repaired but thankfully no one is thought to have been hurt. The local fire and rescue service were also called to the scene but, ultimately, weren't needed as the explosion burned out and the obstruction was removed from the railway.
BTP went on to state that authorities "searched the area, however the youths were not located" and that "enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
They went on to urge the general public to come forward with any information they may have: "Witnesses, or anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 512 of 28/02/22."
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