Black smoke is engulfing a central London district after a blaze erupted in an underground tunnel – with 70 firefighters sent to tackle the flames.
Surrounding roads in Holborn have been closed, with travel chaos reported as crews battled to control the scene.
The London Fire Brigade urged people to stay away from the area, amid warnings of ‘significant disruption’ in the heart of the capital.
Some 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters were been called to the scene on Theobalds Road following the blaze reported in an underground utilities tunnel.
LFB station commander Paul Morgan, at the scene, said: ‘Crews are currently dealing with a fire affecting the electrical cables in an underground tunnel.
‘This is likely to be a protracted incident.
‘The incident is causing significant disruption in central London, with multiple road closures and a safety cordon in place.
‘Bus routes have been diverted, and people are advised to avoid the area where possible.’
Black smoke is engulfing a central London district after fire erupted in an underground tunnel
Surrounding roads in Holborn have been closed and the London Fire Brigade have urged people to stay away from the area
The brigade’s 999 Control officers have taken 18 calls to the fire and sent crews from Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, Lambeth and surrounding fire stations.
The LFB said the cause of the fire was not known at this time.
The latest major London blaze comes the day after a major incident was declared as a huge fire tore through a west London warehouse ‘containing fireworks’ – with 150 firefighters responding.
London Fire Brigade were called to the incident at Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road in Southall at 8.55am on Tuesday, with crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding stations sent to the scene in 25 fire engines.
The inferno erupted in a two-storey building made up of a warehouse and retail space. It is situated across the road from Hortus Cemetery.
About three-quarters of the structure was alight earlier, but it is now understood the entire building is ‘fully alight, internally and externally’.
LFB said it was suspected fireworks and cylinders were being stored inside.
A nearby school and block of flats were evacuated as a safety precaution.
London Fire Brigade were called to Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road in Southall at 8.55am on Tuesday, with crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding stations sent
The huge blaze erupted in a two-storey building made up of a warehouse and retail space
A giant plume of smoke towers into the air as the blaze tears through the warehouse
Videos posted to social media showed multiple explosions causing loud bangs inside building as it burns as terrified residents film from their homes.
The cause of the fire was also said to be unknown and the LFB confirmed there were no injuries reported so far.
Residents in the local area were told to keep doors and windows closed due to the large amount of smoke being produced.
Traffic in the area was also affected, with roads closed and buses diverted.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow…
