Shocking moment blast rips a hole in a footpath leaving woman in hospital

Authorities have revealed what caused the shocking explosion that ripped a hole in a footpath and left a woman in hospital at a popular tourist spot.

Explosion underground on the Gold Coast.

Authorities have revealed what caused a series of shocking underground explosions that ripped through a Gold Cost footpath and left a young woman injured.

Shocking footage showed the moment the blasts erupted at the Gold Coast’s party precinct on Sunday.

A woman aged in her 20s who was walking down the street at the time fell into the gaping hole left by the blast.

Police declared an exclusion zone and locked down a large part of Surfers Paradise after underground explosions opened up a hole in the footpath.

The shocking moment happened on Sunday.

An underground explosion opened up a hole on the corner of Cavill Ave at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Seven.

Energy provider Energex told 7News an electrical fault likely caused the explosions, where engineers were seen assessing the damage on Monday.

Queensland Police Superintendent Peter Miles told reporters thankfully the underground explosions did not turn into a catastrophic event.

“The declaration helped to ensure that the streets around were clear of people, just in case the situation was worse than we first thought,” he said.

“(It is) quite concerning considering it was all underground and we don’t know what’s actually under there.”

The superintendent said it was a “miracle” the woman who suffered lower leg injuries was not more severely hurt.

“She is OK, when you think about what could have happened, that’s a success story,” he said.

“You’re just walking along minding your own business and then all of a sudden this happens.”

Police created an exclusion zone around Surfers Paradise before it was lifted. Picture: Supplied/Queensland Police.

People were told to avoid the area and residents within the exclusion zone were ordered to stay indoors, before the lockdown was lifted on Sunday evening.

Pictures showed a large hole having opened up on the corner of Cavill Ave.

On Sunday night police said road closures remained in place and pedestrian access was being limited on Cavill Ave and Orchid Ave.

One video posted online showed emergency services on the scene having taped off the street before a small bang is heard and sparks are seen spewing from a hole in the ground.

Another person on social media reporting hearing at least two explosions.

“I can’t believe what I just witnessed in surfers paradise out front of the 7/11 I almost pushed my baby in her pram over top of the explosion does anyone know what happened,” one person said on social media.

Police said they were now investigating the incident.

The Surfers Paradise area is known as a bustling tourist haven filled with bars and restaurants, and is at the heart of yearly Schoolies celebrations.