A large explosion has taken place near ASD Metal Services on Dock Road in Silvertown, London. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 8:02 PM, was followed by a significant fire, prompting multiple emergency calls and the rapid deployment of fire crews to the scene.
The London Fire Brigade has scrambled numerous fire engines and specialised units to the area as the situation remains highly volatile.
Members of the public are being strongly advised to avoid the area surrounding Thames Wharf, Dock Road, as emergency services continue to battle the blaze and assess the extent of the damage. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with officials on-site working to determine whether any hazardous materials were involved.
Local residents and businesses in the vicinity have been urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure due to the large plume of smoke emanating from the fire. The police have cordoned off the area, and transport routes around Dock Road are currently being diverted.
An official statement from the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade is expected to be released shortly, providing further details on the incident and any potential injuries or casualties. The National Health Service (NHS) has also been alerted, with nearby hospitals on standby to receive any casualties.
This incident comes as a stark reminder of the risks associated with industrial sites located near urban areas.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
A Spokesman for the LFB: Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at an open air yard on Dock Road in Silvertown.
One van was destroyed by the fire and most of a car and lorry were damaged by the fire. There are currently no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 1951 and the fire was under control by 2102. Crews from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, East Greenwich attended the scene.
