Loud bangs were heard by local residents as flames broke out at a Silvertown commercial site. Firefighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
The London Fire Brigade reported that half a car and a lorry were on fire, though the fire was later brought under control.There were no injuries reported.
Explosion sends shockwaves across Thames
The explosion occurred right on the river’s edge at the commercial site in Silvertown. Residents in the area captured the event on video, recording the loud cracks and subsequent blaze. The controlled explosion used for filming quickly became unmanageable and required immediate intervention from the fire brigade.
Videos posted on social media showed the fire burning before it suddenly exploded in a bright orange ball, reportedly the third explosion of the night.
People across the Thames near The O2 Arena reported hearing the loud bangs and seeing smoke rising in the sky. One witness said they heard “absolutely enormous and very loud explosions” near their flat and noticed a shipping container on fire.
Social media videos allowed viewers to witness the intensity of the blaze. The fire burned actively for a period before it was controlled by the firefighters at the scene.
Emergency response and public safety assurances
The London Fire Brigade provided a detailed update on the incident, explaining that “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at an open air yard on Dock Road in Silvertown. The Brigade was called at 1951 and the fire was under control by 2102. Crews from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, and East Greenwich attended the scene.”
Newham Police assured the public that the explosions were part of a pre-arranged filming schedule and posed no threat to public safety. “We are aware of reports of explosions being heard in the vicinity of the O2 in Greenwich. This was part of a pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town E16 area. There is no risk to the public,” stated Newham Police in a post on X.
Damage assessment and fire brigade’s response
Further details were provided about the damage caused by the fire. “One van was destroyed by the fire and most of the car and lorry were damaged by the fire. There are currently no reports of any injuries.”
The London Fire Brigade also elaborated on the situation in another post. “The fire in Silvertown followed a controlled explosion at a film set which spread out of control. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which is now under control. Crews will remain on scene for the remainder of the evening.”
Although the fire caused significant concern among local residents and onlookers, the prompt response by the London Fire Brigade ensured that the situation was brought under control quickly.