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Explosion rocks Bath city centre | Explosion rocks Bath city centre |
(about 2 hours later) | |
There has been an explosion on the construction site of a new shopping development in Bath city centre. | There has been an explosion on the construction site of a new shopping development in Bath city centre. |
A gas canister exploded shooting flames and black smoke into the air. There are no reports of any injuries at present. | A gas canister exploded shooting flames and black smoke into the air. There are no reports of any injuries at present. |
Eyewitnesses spoke of seeing flames and smoke billowing from the site near Henry Street, by Marks and Spencer. | Eyewitnesses spoke of seeing flames and smoke billowing from the site near Henry Street, by Marks and Spencer. |
A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was put out at about 1800 BST but they would stay at the scene to cool remaining canisters. | A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was put out at about 1800 BST but they would stay at the scene to cool remaining canisters. |
Spokesman James Bladon said: "The fire is now out and we are cooling the cylinders to make sure there is no risk as result of further explosions." | Spokesman James Bladon said: "The fire is now out and we are cooling the cylinders to make sure there is no risk as result of further explosions." |
Five fire engines and a turntable appliance remained at the scene. | Five fire engines and a turntable appliance remained at the scene. |
Pictures of Bath fire The fire was on the third floor of the three storey building. | Pictures of Bath fire The fire was on the third floor of the three storey building. |
One eyewitness said: "I saw black smoke and we heard a few bangs and a series of fairly large explosions." | One eyewitness said: "I saw black smoke and we heard a few bangs and a series of fairly large explosions." |
Shops and offices in two streets next to the SouthGate development were evacuated. | Shops and offices in two streets next to the SouthGate development were evacuated. |
Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood said: "Officers were called just after 5pm today to a report of a fire at the SouthGate building site. | Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood said: "Officers were called just after 5pm today to a report of a fire at the SouthGate building site. |
"The area has been cordoned off at the request of the fire and rescue service as there are believed to be a number of gas cylinders on the site." | "The area has been cordoned off at the request of the fire and rescue service as there are believed to be a number of gas cylinders on the site." |
At 2130 BST the cordon was down to 150m around the complex. This is due to be reviewed at 0700 BST on Wednesday. | |
A spokesperson from Multi Development UK Ltd said that an "incident" had occurred on site "whereby a fire was started during asphalting operations in Block B." | A spokesperson from Multi Development UK Ltd said that an "incident" had occurred on site "whereby a fire was started during asphalting operations in Block B." |
The £360m development had its topping-out ceremony last week and it was hoped the first shops would open in early 2009. | |
Bath Spa railway station closed after the explosion but has since reopened, though some station entrances were not accessible. | Bath Spa railway station closed after the explosion but has since reopened, though some station entrances were not accessible. |
Commuters with vehicles at the station were being warned they may not be able to get their cars out - which could be the case for much of Tuesday. | Commuters with vehicles at the station were being warned they may not be able to get their cars out - which could be the case for much of Tuesday. |
A rest centre has been set up in the Pavilion next to the leisure centre in North Parade Road for those unable to get home. |