South London next to Elephant and Castle Rail Station [“Ziloņu un pils”] There have been fires in several buildings and there is a risk of explosions, BBC News reports.
Two people were injured and several buildings were evacuated in a fire seen over south London.
About 100 firefighters are fighting the flames at some railway arches near the railway station.
Fire brigades were called shortly before 13.45 local time, and locals reported hearing several explosions.
After inhaling the smoke, treatment was needed by a police officer and a member of the public.
People living in the area are warned to keep the doors and windows closed and all trains are not allowed to run through the train station.
Fifteen fire trucks were called to the scene, and it is believed that the fire broke out in some garages near the train station.
Eyewitness Anthony Kings told the BBC he was about to catch a train to go home when he saw the smoke. The 51-year-old said the fire soon spread to the adjacent arches and flames appeared above the tall buildings.
Alex Leckis, who works in a restaurant near the station, said the entire building of his restaurant had been evacuated. “We saw the smoke coming out.” The smoke pole began to wrap around apartment buildings, and we continued to hear periodic explosions, “said the 30-year-old. He added that police warned of the need for some time until they will be allowed to return to the building.-
Shortly before 4 p.m., the responsible services told Twitter that the fire was under control, but firefighters would remain in the “next hours to control what was happening.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it has been publicly stated that it is “not considered to be linked to a terrorist attack”.
There are still restrictions on movement in the area and people are encouraged to avoid visiting the area. “The station has been evacuated and the living quarters are now being evacuated,” it said.
London Mayor Sadik Khan praised the emergency services, who he said “acted swiftly to ensure the safe evacuation of both residents and passengers at the nearby station”.
Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for several hours.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are attending a fire at railway arches near to #ElephantCastle railway station. Please avoid the area and close all doors and windows https://t.co/L7YXgTDzE0
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 28, 2021
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