A MAN in his 30s has died after a car hit an electricity sub-station in Southampton city centre.

The vehicle hit the sub-station in Western Esplanade shortly after 11pm on Monday.

The only occupant of the car, a man in his 30s, died at the scene and his next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

Some 20 firefighters were called to a huge blaze after the crash and the sub-station was destroyed in the fire.

Kristina Dickenson, a 27-year-old ticket officer at Southampton Central train station, said: "I drove in this morning and I noticed the road was blocked, so my colleague told me there had been a crash.

"It is such a shame because he is so young and I cannot imagine what his family are going through right now."

She added: "I cannot think how it would have happened and it is a horrible situation to be in.

"I don't think the sub-station should be close to the road, especially with the weather conditions lately. They should be put somewhere else."

Jane Lyon-Maris, a 57-year-old housewife from Marchwood, said: "I am really shocked because the sub-station seemed secured off from the public. I was cross earlier as the shops in the retail park were closed and now I am cross because a family have lost someone."

Matt Kania, a 32-year-old maintenance engineer from Shirley, said: "It is a tragic loss because it seemed like an accident. Maybe the man slipped off the road and crashed into it."

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are currently dealing with power outages to a small number of businesses on Western Esplanade.

A spokesperson from SSEN said: "We had 16 customers who were without power as a result of the accident and that was quickly brought down to ten.

"There are still five customers who are without power and we hope they will be back on by 2pm."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue as well as South Central Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "If you have any information about the collision, call 101 quoting 44190349894."