“Explosions likely involved cylinders and fireworks stored in the affected structure,” said Pat Goulbourne, assistant commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.
A massive fire erupted Tuesday morning at a London warehouse in Southall, western London, possibly containing fireworks, according to fire officials.
The blaze, discovered around 9:00 am (0900 GMT), engulfed a two-storey building housing a warehouse and retail space, sending a thick plume of smoke across the west of the city.
More than 150 firefighters were deployed to tackle the inferno. No injuries were reported by Tuesday evening.
“As crews carried out firefighting operations, explosions were reported at the scene. These explosions likely involved cylinders and fireworks stored in the affected structure,” said Pat Goulbourne, assistant commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.
Witnesses described the scene as terrifying. Wasim Ismail, a local garage worker, told AFP that he heard loud bangs “very loud… louder than shotguns going off,” with shrapnel visibly flying from the site.
Neighbouring properties—including three schools, a residential block, and an industrial estate—were evacuated for safety.
The warehouse roof collapsed, and by nightfall, about a quarter of the building remained ablaze. The “major incident” declared earlier by the London Fire Brigade was later stood down.
Residents nearby were advised to keep doors and windows closed while crews continued to monitor the site.
