Cars Explode in Blaze Outside Brent Cross Mall – Shoppers Flee as Fire Rages
A terrifying fire erupted in Brent Cross Shopping Centre’s car park on Saturday afternoon, sending thick black smoke billowing across North London and causing chaos among weekend shoppers.
Inferno Breaks Out Near John Lewis
At around 4:06pm, multiple vehicles went up in flames in the open-air lot by John Lewis on Prince Charles Drive. Firefighters scrambled to the scene with four engines and 25 crew members to tackle the rapidly spreading blaze.
Eyewitnesses reported huge plumes of smoke visible from the North Circular, while frantic shoppers fled as cars burned just metres from the busy mall entrance.
Key Facts About the Brent Cross Fire
- Fire broke out shortly after 4pm in the Brent Cross car park
- At least two cars completely destroyed
- No injuries reported
- Fire brought under control by 6:14pm
- Cause currently under investigation
- Firefighters from West Hampstead, Finchley, and Willesden responded
Eyewitness Describes Chaotic Scenes
Rosanna Rafel-Rix, who filmed the blaze, said: “There were huge plumes of smoke coming from the John Lewis entrance. One car was fully on fire. People in the car park were trying to get away – fast.”
London Fire Brigade Confirms Investigation Underway
The London Fire Brigade confirmed the fire was extinguished by early evening. Their Fire Investigation Unit is now probing the cause.
A spokesperson said: “There were no injuries, and the shopping centre itself was unaffected. However, we are taking the incident seriously and looking into the cause.”
