AN engineer called out to deal with a fault in an electricity sub-station died after an explosion caused boiling oil to be thrown over him, an inquest has heard.

The hearing in Chelmsford yesterday was told John Higgins, 59, was six months away from retiring when he died in the flash fire caused by the explosion on May 7, 2008.

The incident caused major disruption in Chelmsford, cutting power to thousands of homes.

Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray heard a post-mortem examination found Mr Higgins had died from burns and the inhalation of toxic gases.

Dr David Rouse, who carried out the examination, said Mr Higgins, of Albany Road in West Bergholt, had suffered 95 per cent burns to his body.

John Denham, coroner’s officer, said on the day of the incident Mr Higgins was sent to the unmanned electricity sub-station in Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, by his employer EDF Energy, now known as UK Power Networks, just after noon.

He said Essex Fire and Rescue was called some time later and arrived at 12.25pm where they found Mr Higgins had already died as a result of a flash fire thought to have been caused by an explosion.

The jury returned a verdict of an accidental death before the coroner again expressed her sympathy to Mr Higgins’ family, who until now have been unable to register his death.

“He clearly was a much-loved gentleman with vast experience,” she said.

After the hearing Tracey Sparling, spokeswoman for UK Power Networks, said it deeply regretted the death of Mr Higgins.

She said: “We reiterate our condolences to John’s family and friends. He was a well-liked and respected colleague with 35 years of valued service.”

Annette Hall, of the Health and Safety Executive, said it would now be looking to close its investigation and make a decision about whether any breaches of safety had been made and if any further action needed to be taken.