A loud explosion was reported at the site near the junction of High Holborn and Drury Lane and nearby roads were closed off causing delays.

A spokesperson for Crossrail said: “At around 12.40 today a construction worker engaged on the Crossrail project undertaking utility excavation in the High Holborn area struck a below ground electrical cable.

“London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police all attended the scene and the worker was taken to hospital. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”

A spokeswoman for the London Ambulance Service said: “Our staff treated a man believed to be in his 30s for burns and they have taken him to the Royal London Hospital by ambulance.”