1. Old Bailey reopening after fire
2. Old Bailey business resuming after fire.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The historic Old Bailey, also known as the Central Criminal Court, is set to reopen on Monday following extensive emergency work to restore power after an electrical fire broke out inside the high-security building. The fire, which occurred last Wednesday morning in an electrical substation, led to the closure of the court, causing significant disruptions to ongoing cases.
The incident resulted in black smoke billowing from the building, plunging courtrooms into darkness and necessitating the evacuation of approximately 1,500 individuals. Two people were also rescued from lifts during the evacuation process.
Upon the outbreak of the fire, four fire engines and 25 firefighters promptly responded to the scene. Outside the building, crowds of barristers dressed in their traditional black gowns and wigs gathered, awaiting further instructions.
As a result of the closure, defendants involved in ongoing cases were escorted by police through a side exit and transferred to waiting prison vans for their return to jail.
Several high-profile cases were impacted by the closure, including the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who are facing charges of manslaughter in relation to their baby daughter’s death, as well as the inquest into the tragic deaths of the victims of the Reading terror attack.
Following an investigation, the London Fire Brigade determined that the cause of the fire was accidental and not suspicious in nature.
Last Friday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, announced that the Old Bailey would reopen at noon on Monday after undergoing emergency restoration work to reinstate power. The judge emphasized the need for various health and safety checks to be conducted before normal court proceedings could resume.
The Old Bailey, recognized as the world’s most renowned criminal court, handles high-stakes criminal cases, including those involving murder and terrorism. Due to its significance, the court has been identified as a potential target for terrorist activities in the past. Notably, it suffered severe damage in a car bomb attack carried out by the IRA in 1973.
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1. “Old Bailey reopening after fire”
2. “Old Bailey business resuming after fire”.
