A pre-planned “controlled explosion” at an east London film set took a turn for the worse, as it spiraled “out of control” near The O2 arena in Silvertown, according to the London Fire Brigade. The organization reported that the fire that ensued followed the controlled explosion, and firefighters had to work quickly to extinguish it. The situation was eventually brought under control, but not before causing damage to a van, a car, and a lorry (truck).
The call for the incident was made at 7:51 p.m. UTC, and by 9:02 p.m., the fire was successfully contained. Multiple crews from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, and East Greenwich responded to the scene, totaling 25 firefighters and four fire engines. The location of the fire was an open-air yard near Dock Road and Trinity Buoy Wharf, further emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, local authorities were quick to reassure the public of their safety. Newham MPS, the local police force, took to social media to address reports of explosions near The O2 in Greenwich, clarifying that it was all part of a pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town E16 area. They emphasized that there was no risk to the public, alleviating concerns within the community.
Video footage captured at the scene and shared on social media depicted the intensity of the situation, with a boat being dispatched to address the blaze. In addition to the roaring flames, multiple explosions could be heard, releasing dark clouds of smoke into the air. Of particular note was a burning truck labeled with “BBC News World,” sparking speculations and confusion. However, BBC News swiftly clarified that they had no connection to the incident, leaving the source and context of the fire shrouded in mystery.
As details surrounding the film set impacted by the fire remain scarce, the incident continues to be under investigation. It is essential to uncover the root cause of the controlled explosion gone wrong and implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Deadline will be monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as more information becomes available.