UMVA has learned that a massive fire broke out at a recycling centre in south London, causing widespread travel chaos and filling the air with thick black smoke.
The blaze, which started around 5:30 pm on Monday evening, prompted an immediate response from emergency services, with 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters rushing to the scene on Landmann Way in Bermondsey.
Huge plumes of smoke were visible for miles, and commuters at London Bridge reported a strong smell of burning around the station, with one passenger describing the scene as "large visible flames and firefighters tackling it."
The fire brought rush hour to a standstill, shutting all lines between London Bridge and Dartford, with train drivers warning passengers of the situation and advising them to prepare for delays.
Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who was on the scene, urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, adding that "loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires."
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, which was also affecting a nearby warehouse unit, and residents were advised to pour water onto any loose embers they encountered to prevent further fires.
The London Fire Brigade and Thameslink officials worked together to manage the situation, with the spokesperson for Thameslink confirming that all lines were blocked between London Bridge and Dartford due to the fire.
Normal rail services had resumed by Tuesday morning, bringing relief to commuters who had faced a disrupted evening.
