The Aftermath of a Controlled Explosion on a London Film Set

A controlled explosion on a film set in east London spiraled out of control, leading to a fire near The O2 arena in Silvertown, as reported by the London Fire Brigade. The incident took place on X Aug. 31, and the fire brigade noted that the fire followed the controlled explosion. Firefighters were quick to respond to the situation, managing to extinguish the fire which had spread. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident. The fire destroyed one van, most of a car, and a lorry (truck).

Quick Response by Firefighters

The emergency call was made at 7:51 p.m. UTC, and by 9:02 p.m., the fire was brought under control. Fire crews from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, and East Greenwich were dispatched to the scene. The team comprised of 25 firefighters and four fire engines that worked diligently to tame the fire at the open-air yard located near Dock Road and Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Media Coverage and Public Safety

Local police force Newham MPS took to Twitter to reassure the public that the explosions heard near The O2 in Greenwich were part of a pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town E16 area. They emphasized that there was no risk to the public. Videos shared on social media captured the intensity of the blaze, with a boat being deployed to deal with the fire. The footage also showcased multiple explosions and thick clouds of smoke billowing from the scene. Notably, a burning truck marked with “BBC News World” was seen in the videos, although BBC News distanced themselves from the incident. The exact film set affected by the fire remains unknown at this time, and further details are awaited.

Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with controlled explosions and the importance of effective emergency response. While the fire caused significant damage to vehicles and the film set, the prompt action taken by the firefighters prevented any injuries. As investigations continue into the cause of the incident and the extent of the damage, it is crucial for safety protocols to be reviewed and reinforced to prevent similar occurrences in the future.