A TOWER block in Staines has erupted into flames and plumes of black smoke fill the air, as horrified locals report a “huge explosion”.
The terrifying inferno was sparked at around 12.30pm in Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.
Twitter/@jwm1891Thick black smoke clouds were seen from miles away[/caption]
TwitterA tower block in Staines has erupted into flames[/caption]
SuppliedThe cause of the fire is still unknown at this time[/caption]
Emergency services are at the chaotic scene battling to extinguish the flames.
Fire crews arrived at 12.35pm and there are eight pumps working on bringing the fire under control.
Residents have been warned to stay indoors while keeping their windows and doors closed.
A concerned local said: “Just heard a huge explosion outside my house – a tower block under construction down the road is now up in flames in Staines Upon Thames.”
Another witness added: “Huge fire with thick black plume of smoke on roof of new build flats in Staines town centre. Hope all are safe.”
“Fire on roof of high rise apartment block in Staines right now looks very bad,” someone else told LBC.
Thick black smoke clouds were seen from miles away, with reports from airline passengers landing at Heathrow spotting the smog.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time amid unconfirmed reports of a gas leak.
One social media user near the frantic scene penned: “Huge fire broken out in Staines town centre.
“Looks to be from the rooftop of the new flats being built.”
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told The Sun: “We received a call this afternoon around 12.30pm to a report of a fire at the former Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.
“Eight pumps have been sent, the first arriving at the scene around 12.35pm.
“Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire.”
And, an update on X/formerly Twitter read: “We received a call this afternoon around 12.30pm to a report of a fire at the former Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.
“Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire.
“Please can you avoid the area if possible and we ask residents to keep their windows shut.”
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SuppliedThe blaze is visible from Staines High Street[/caption]