AN ENORMOUS fire has broken out in a set of major railway arches sparking huge delays for commuters this morning.
A number of gas cylinders are also believed to have exploded during the early stages of the fire under the London Underground Piccadilly line tracks in South Harrow, fire crews said.
UKNIPSmoke was sent billowing into the sky as the blaze unfolded in the early hours of this morning[/caption]
London Fire Brigade/XAround 100 firefighters worked to control the blaze[/caption]
London Fire Brigade/XCrews have remained at the scene throughout this morning[/caption]
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received its first call about the inferno shortly after 1.15am this morning, with around 100 firefighters currently working to control the blaze.
Crews say they are “likely” to be at the scene well into the morning.
In a statement, LFB said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire near Roxeth Green Avenue in South Harrow.
“The fire occurred at a range of four railway arches, housing businesses including vehicle workshops and other commercial uses.
“The properties have been severely damaged by fire.
“Firefighters have worked hard to bring the fire under control but the Brigade is likely to maintain a significance presence on scene for several more hours.”
No injuries have yet been reported at this time.
As a result of the blaze, there is “severe disruption” westbound on the Piccadilly line between South Harrow and Acton Town.
The route has also been part suspended between South Harrow and Uxbridge.
Commuters have been advised to take alternate routes, including using local bus services or by using the Metropolitan line between Uxbridge and central London.
Enormous black plumes of smoke could be seen rising up from the arches into the early morning sky.
Fire crews deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders and mobilised crews from Harrow, Wembley, Stanmore, Ruislip, and surrounding fire stations to help tackle the inferno.
LFB said the fire was brought under control shortly after 4am but added that crews would remain for several hours.
Station commander Graham Beers said crews were faced with a “substantial fire” when they arrived at the scene.
He said: “Crews worked extremely hard to bring that fire under control and protect surrounding properties.
“Unfortunately, four units have been completely damaged by fire.”
The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
This comes just weeks after it was confirmed that the introduction of new air-conditioned Piccadilly line trains would be delayed by a year.
The new £3 billion tube trains were expected to be in use by the end of 2025 but TfL said they now won’t be expected until the “second half of 2026”.
London Fire Brigade/XThe blaze has caused ‘severe’ damage to a number of businesses located within the arches[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
