Huge fire breaks out on River Thames island as ‘explosions’ heard

A huge fire has broken out at a building on the River Thames after people in the area heard “explosions”.

The building, in Platt’s Eyot in the Hampton area of London, is said to be completely ablaze with shocked witnesses reporting a pillar of smoke visible across the capital city, MyLondon reports.

A witness said: “Police/fire moving people back. Lots of bangs and pops.

“The fire is a long way from the road, surrounded by river.”

The fire, which witnesses have described as being “gigantic” on social media, is said to be in an industrial unit and started at around 5.14pm on Monday, May 3.

Fire services rushed to the scene and are battling to control the blaze.

Images shared on social media appear to show the historical industrial units have been nearly completely destroyed by the fire.

No injuries have been reported from the incident so far although people living in the area have been told to close windows and doors.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “The Brigade were called at 5.14pm to reports of a fire by Lower Sunbury Road.

“An industrial unit on Platt’s Eyot is alight.

“So far there have been no reports of injuries and the fire is ongoing.

“Eight fire engines have been dispatched.

“There are some cylinders involved in the fire.”

A spokesperson for the Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said: “Our Joint Fire Control received 20 calls to Hampton Boat Sheds this evening. We are currently assisting London Fire Brigade at this incident.

“Nearby residents should close windows and doors.”

Concerned residents took to social media to share their concerns about the worrying incident.

One person wrote: “Enormous fire on Platt’s Eyot boatyard in Hampton. Really hope everyone is safe.”

“Hampton fire on Platt’s Eyot. Boatyard on the eastern end already gutted,” a second person wrote.

A third added: “If you are in Hampton keep your windows closed and avoid the area by Platt’s Eyot. Praying for the safety of all and giving thanks for London Fire Brigade.”

Dr Dominique Buochard, who lives nearby, watched the incident unfold from the towpath on the Hampton side of the River.

She told MyLondon about the feeling among the residents watching.

She said: “I think there was a lot of collective concern. I ran into the vicar from St Mary’s Church who came out to see if anyone needed help.

“I heard a few people talking about how devastating this is for the businesses on the Eyot and of course losing unique historic architecture and structures is also very sad.

“I was very worried that people were injured but there didn’t appear to be any injuries.”