FIRE IN THE HOLE
Elephant and Castle fire – Moment massive fireball EXPLODES from under station sending bystanders running for cover
THIS is the terrifying moment that a huge fireball exploded from underneath Elephant and Castle train station - sending bystanders running for their lives.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the blaze in South London and can be seen watching on as the massive ball of fire erupts from the railway arches of the major transport hub.
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Black smoke can be seen billowing for miles from the station, with police officers reportedly confirming that “dangerous” chemicals were involved.
Six people were treated at the scene of the blaze, one of them is understood to have been a police officer, with one being taken to hospital.
Locals can be seen running and screaming after the loud explosion, which sent flames into the sky.
London Fire Brigade said around 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, and that three railway arch units, six cars and a telephone box were all on fire.
Station Commander James Ryan, who is at the scene, warned people to "avoid the area" and "keep windows and doors closed".
A brave officer was seen picking up two small children and helping them escape the fire near the station.
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Police are currently urgently evacuating residents and businesses in the area.
Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen filling the air above central London at around 1.45pm this afternoon.
Travellers were urgently evacuated from the station after the blaze broke out.
There are unconfirmed reports the fire broke out at an auto repair shop in one of the arches under the station.
Martin Bobrowski, a builder who is working opposite the station, said he heard ambulances and police driving nearby before seeing smoke coming from the station at about 2pm.
"I heard the police come and I thought there was an accident nearby, but then they started blocking the road off. I then came outside for a cigarette and saw all the black smoke.
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"I was really surprised to see it and a bit scared. They haven't told us anything. The smell was awful. It smelt like a burning electrical cable smell."
Officers at the scene said the station has been fully evacuated along with the nearby Strata residential building.
They described it to local residents as a "major incident", adding that road closures are going to be in place for "several hours" as they try to prevent people "coming and going".
London Fire Brigade said around 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, and that the railway arches, six cars and a telephone box were all on fire.
They said: "There are significant road closures in place, please avoid the area."
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A LAS spokeswoman said: "We were called at 1.50pm today to reports of a fire near Elephant and Castle station.
"We sent a number of resources, including ambulance crews, incident response officers and our hazardous area response team.
"We treated six patients at the scene, and took one of them to hospital."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: "Police were called at approximately 13:47hrs in response to a fire on Elephant Road, SE17.
"Officers and the London Ambulance Service are supporting London Fire Brigade at the scene.
"There are significant road closures in place and the public are advised to avoid the area.
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"The station has been evacuated and residential evacuations are taking now place.
"At this early stage, the incident is not believed to be terror related."
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