A controlled explosion on a film set near the Silvertown Tunnel construction site spiralled out of control today, resulting in significant damage to nearby vehicles, including the complete destruction of a van. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to the scene shortly after the explosion, which occurred around midday.
According to LFB officials, the explosion was part of a film production reportedly titled “I Don’t Care About You, Lez.” The explosion, intended to be a controlled special effect, rapidly spread beyond the expected parameters, igniting a nearby van and causing serious damage to a car and a lorry parked close by.
We received reports of a fire near the Silvertown Tunnel site and dispatched units immediately. Upon arrival, we found a van fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to a nearby car and lorry,” said a spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade. The fire was quickly brought under control, but the van was completely destroyed, and there was significant damage to the other vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a large plume of smoke rising from the film set. At first, we thought it was part of the filming, but then we saw the fire spreading to the van, and it became clear that something had gone wrong,” said one bystander who asked not to be named.
The film production company has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. However, early reports suggest that safety protocols may have been breached, leading to the unintended spread of the fire. The LFB confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident and assess whether proper safety measures were in place.
No injuries have been reported, but the incident has raised concerns about the safety of large-scale film productions, particularly those involving pyrotechnics, in urban areas. Local authorities are also expected to review the safety guidelines for film productions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Silvertown Tunnel construction site, which has been a focal point for significant infrastructure development in the area, was not directly impacted by the fire, and work is expected to continue as scheduled. However, the incident has drawn attention to the potential risks posed by adjacent activities, such as film productions, in proximity to major construction projects.
The LFB has urged film production companies to exercise caution and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken when conducting controlled explosions or other high-risk activities.
