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At least five people were injured after a power drill battery explosion at a north London underground station sparked chaos and panic.

Terrified commuters fled Southgate station after hearing a bang with some reporting the smell of “burning rubber” on Tuesday evening.

Two of those injured were rushed to hospital while three others were treated at the scene following the shocking incident after 7pm.

Specialist police and paramedics were scrambled to the scene and bystanders were warned to stay away from the area.

Alarmed residents were escorted out of their homes and others were instructed to stay in restaurants and shops to avoid danger.

A man on a "packed" escalator said some people had been "trampled" in the commotion.

James Ayton, 34, from Southgate, said he saw a "quick burst" of flames at the top and said everyone "legged it".

He said there had been a "very rapid whooshing sound”, adding: "A few people got trampled on on the escalator. There was screaming.

"An old woman got trampled on. I had to carry a woman up the stairs.

“I think she was in shock to be honest. She couldn't walk, shaking."

One witness told the Standard that someone was seen being taken out of the station on a stretcher.

LAS confirmed that five people were injured during the incident and two were taken to hospital. Their condition is not yet known.

The road was cordoned off and the station remained closed as officers with explosive sniffer dogs scoured the area.

Police said in a statement that the scene had "been examined by specialist officers" who believe the explosion was caused by a "drill battery short circuit".

"The Met Police and BTP are working together to establish the full facts," they added.

Darren Yarlett, a city worker, 36, was driving home in Southgate but police had taped off the roads near to the station.

He told the Standard: "The police moved us on, but they said there was an explosion in the station.

"There must be around 50 or 60 police, an ambulance, fire arms and dog units."

He added: "I didn't hear anything so don't want to jump to any conclusions but the amount of ambulances would say something has happened."

One resident tweeted: "Got escorted out of my flat next to #Southgate tube station. All cornered off but we’re not getting many answers."

A Twitter user named @nakzokulah wrote: "I was at Southgate Station when this commotion started. I could smell burning (like rubber) and saw multiple people hurrying for the exits.

"I was outside the station about to enter the 125 bus. Do not think this is fear mongering or fake news. It's very real."

One Twitter user posted to say: "Stuck in an Indian restaurant opposite #Southgate station because of a suspect bomb going off inside (the station).

"Don't know too much except we have been told to stay inside. Suspet9 device found/gone off inside tube. Saw one person coming out on a stretcher."

They later added: "Having a police escort back to #PremierInn now because there has been a device go off in the station."

A police statement said: "Police were called at 7.03pm on Tuesday, 19 June, to reports of an explosion and people running at Southgate underground station.

"Met officers remain at the scene along with colleagues from British Transport Police, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

"Cordons are in place and the station is closed. Officers remain at #Southgate tube station. Enquires are ongoing to establish the cause of a reported minor explosion at 19:03 hours. We are not aware of any serious injury."

The Tube line was reporting severe delays between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters. There are minor delays on the rest of the line

London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called today at 7.02pm to an incident at Station Parade, N14.

"We sent multiple resources to the scene, including a number of ambulance crews, our hazardous area response team, a medic in a fast response car, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer.

"We have treated three patients at the scene for minor injuries and have taken two people to hospital.

"We remain on scene, working with other emergency services colleagues."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised emergency services for "a swift and professional response" to the incident.