A huge explosion has erupted outside Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton, sending a plume of black smoke soaring into the sky and startling nearby commuters during the morning rush.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as several individuals were swiftly evacuated from the shopping centre’s food hall as a precaution. Images circulating show firefighters tackling the van’s burnt-out shell just outside the busy mall, reports the Mirror.
The cause of the blast remains unknown. The Southern Daily Echo captured the reaction of witness Emily Robinson: “It is a big pillar of smoke. It looks like quite a large fire. There seemed to be at one point a big bang.”
She added: “That could have come from the fire. There was a fire engine that came down at speed past the bus I was on, so the fire crew are on their way. I was just wondering what was really going on. Especially because we have had so many fires recently.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge and Hightown have been at the scene after reports of of a vehicle fire at the back of Westquay after reports of fire and smoke just after 9.30am this morning.
It added: “People are asked to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident. Harbour Parade is closed in both directions.”
A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said an ambulance and a rapid response car were on standby at the scene but they weren’t needed as there were no casualties. He added they have now been stood down by the fire service.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said police have been helping with road closures.
