Major fire at Olympic Games site

 

 

 

A huge blaze has broken out in east London close to where the main stadium for the London Olympics will be built.

 

The London Fire Brigade were called at 1206 GMT on Monday to reports of a fire at a disused warehouse in Waterden Road, Hackney Wick, near Stratford.

About 75 firefighters are tackling the fire which has created a huge plume of black smoke that can be seen across the city's skyline.

Waterden Road runs through the site where the 2012 Olympics will be held.

 

'Not terrorism'

 

The warehouse is on the western edge of the proposed site of the Olympic Village and was set to be demolished in the next few months.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident but have so far discounted a terrorist motive.

 

 

 

"We have nothing to suggest that this is anything other than a fire at the moment," said a police spokesman.

London Ambulance Service have said there are no reports of any casualties.

The blaze is close to the Channel Tunnel high speed rail link, however Eurostar has said the fire is not having an impact on services.

Clear weather conditions meant smoke was visible over large areas of London.

Paul Mott, a meteorologist the Press Association, said visibility was generally around 12 to 18 miles.

 

Transport disrupted

 

He added that the north-westerly wind was "fairly light", meaning that the plume would be blowing south-eastwards.

The blaze has not disrupted any flights from nearby London City Airport. Airport spokesman Charles Buchanan said: "There's smoke drifting southwards but it's not interfering with our operations as aircraft continue to arrive and depart. However, we will continue to monitor the situation closely." A Network Rail spokesman said services on the North London rail line had resumed after a temporary suspension but trains are not stopping at Hackney Wick.

In pictures: London fire

 

 

 

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7090763.stm

Good method of clearing the area for the stadium :lol: