'Explosions' heard as 'gigantic' fire rips through boatyard in south-west London

3 May 2021, 20:52 | Updated: 3 May 2021, 21:25

'Explosions' heard as 'gigantic' fire rips through boatyard in south-west London

Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

A "gigantic" fire has ripped through a boatyard on the River Thames in south-west London with explosions heard by nearby residents.

Roughly 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines have been sent to the blaze at two industrial units on Platt's Eyot island in Hampton, Richmond upon Thames.

Access to the island is limited to just a single footbridge, meaning firefighters have had to hand-carry all their equipment to tackle the inferno.

One local said they heard "lots of bangs and pops" and that police and fire crews were moving people back despite the blaze being "a long way from the road".

London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed several gas cylinders were involved in the fire but they were cooled and removed by crews.

They were first alerted to the inferno at 5:14pm, with firefighters from a number of neighbouring fire stations being deployed.

The service wrote on Twitter: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters are at the scene of a fire on Platt's Eyot island in #RichmonduponThames.

"Two industrial units are alight."

The fire took place in Hampton on an island on the River Thames
The fire took place in Hampton on an island on the River Thames. Picture: London Fire Brigade
Fire crews could only access the blaze via a footbridge
Fire crews could only access the blaze via a footbridge. Picture: London Fire Brigade

A spokesperson for LFB said some nearby boats were moved from the scene as a precaution. 

It later added: "Firefighters continue to tackle a fire at two single-storey industrial units on Platt's Eyot island.

"The only access is via a footbridge, therefore all the equipment had to be carried by hand to the scene by firefighters."

One man has been treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service wrote on Twitter: "Our Joint Fire Control received 20 calls to #Hampton Boat Sheds this evening.

"We are currently assisting @LondonFire at this incident.

"Nearby residents should close windows and doors."

Footage of the incident shows a huge plume of black smoke billowing from the units, which appear to have been left completely gutted by the blaze.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Yemen

US and allies in talks on naval task force after Houthi attacks in Red Sea

The guidance has recommended a number of methods to ensure children cannot access the adult sites.

Age estimation tech could be used to prevent children accessing pornographic sites, new Ofcom guidance says

Rockstar Games released the trailer early after a leak.

Rockstar drops GTA 6 trailer a day early after online leak

A builder has pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman he was building an extension for.

Builder admits to murdering woman, 58, he met through church friends after row over extension

Police officers pursue a deer down a hallway at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Toms River, New Jersey

Deer’s escape after breaking into US school captured on police bodycams

Police officers stand by the tail of a small plane that made an emergency landing in Villejuif, outside Paris

Small plane makes emergency landing in Paris suburbs

The mayor of Kyiv has claimed president Zelenskyy is becoming increasingly autocratic.

‘Zelenskyy is becoming an autocrat’ Kyiv mayor Klitschko says, as he warns Ukraine will soon be 'no different to Russia'

Actor Jonathan Majors arrives at court in New York

Jonathan Majors assault trial starts with competing versions of confrontation

Wood drove 158 metres with Mr Watson under the car.

'It's fine, I deserve it': Woman arrested after running over and killing boyfriend, dragging his body nearly 160 metres

Manuel Rocha when he was US ambassador to Bolivia

Former career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuba for decades

The infected blood scandal tore Tony's family apart.

'The family imploded': Son of haemophiliac tells Andrew Marr how infected blood scandal tore his family apart

A UK city has been crowned the prettiest in the world, according to a study.

UK city crowned ‘prettiest in the world’ - putting Venice in second place

Jonathan Majors domestic abuse trial started today

Marvel star Jonathan Majors 'hit ex-girlfriend over the head to cover up infidelity', court hears

Aitana was created by an AI modelling agency.

‘Spanish influencer’ created entirely by AI generates its modelling agency £9,000 a month with 200,000 followers

In his victory speech in November, Mr Milei promised Argentina that "the reconstruction of Argentina begins."

'It's not a joke, it's a provocation!': Argentina launches another attack on Britain amid Falklands row

Home Secretary James Cleverly

‘Enough is enough’: Ministers outline five-point plan to slash migration by 300,000