Explosion and smoke plume rocks east London after 'pre-planned explosion' spreads out of control

31 August 2024, 20:13 | Updated: 31 August 2024, 21:50

A huge explosion has rocked residents in East London and filled the sky with smoke - as firefighters rush to the site of a pre-planned blast which grew out of controlled.

The site, understood to be on Dock Road, Silvertown, was planned to be used for a filmed explosion on Saturday evening.

But the London Fire Brigade has confirmed that the fire at an open yard followed "a controlled explosion at a film set which spread out of control".

The LFB added: "Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which is now under control.

"Crews will remain on scene for the remainder of the evening".

Reports of an explosion in Greenwich were first shared on social media just before 8pm on Saturday.

Pictures of a large plume of smoke appearing to come from the East India Quay area were also shared.

Flames could be seen from a distance inside a building on the north bank of the River Thames in east London.

But despite panicked posts by people who heard the blast, police later confirmed that the flames were part of a pre-planned set piece for film crews in the area and that the public was safe.

The Newham branch of the Metropolitan Police wrote on X: "We are aware of reports of explosions being heard in the vicinity of the O2 in Greenwich.

"This was part of a pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town E16 area.

"There is no risk to the public".

The LFB confirmed that they received 90 emergency calls about the blaze.

They added had sent four fire engines and 25 firefighters to tackle the flames - and that half of a car and a lorry were alight.