Huge fire at Hotpoint factory in Peterborough as ‘explosions’ heard
Written by News on 30/08/2019
A raging fire has torn through lorry trailers at a washing machine factory in Peterborough, with explosions heard from miles away as large clouds of black smoke shrouded the city.
More than 50 firefighters have been working to bring the huge blaze under control at the Hotpoint site in Shrewsbury Avenue.
Around 40 trailers are understood to be affected but there are not believed to be any casualties.
Witnesses reported on social media hearing explosions as torrents of dark smoke were visible for miles across the city.
“Insane fire in Peterborough currently. Can see it from miles away too. Thinking it’s Hotpoint in the Woodston area?” one Twitter user wrote.
Another said: “Hotpoint on fire. So many explosions. Hope all are safe.”
Residents have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed, emergency services said.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service posted images showing around eight trailers completely gutted by fire at around 9pm – around two hours after they were called to the incident.
Police asked people to stay clear of the area and said temporary road closures were in place in Shrewsbury Avenue, Morley Way and Celta Road.
“It is expected emergency services will be working late into the night to tackle the blaze,” officers said.
(c) Sky News 2019: Huge fire at Hotpoint factory in Peterborough as ‘explosions’ heard
