A terrifying explosion ripped through a townhouse in Erith on Saturday evening, leaving local residents stunned. The blast, caught on film by a nearby witness, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and set the community on edge.
The fire erupted just after 7pm on 31 May, engulfing a garage and flat on the packed residential street of Mangold Way. Witnesses reported a loud bang that shook windows, followed by roaring flames consuming the mid-terraced property. Video footage shared online reveals the fiery explosion, though officials are still investigating its cause. No details have been confirmed yet.
Fire crews sprang into action after receiving 32 emergency calls from alarmed locals. The London Fire Brigade dispatched teams from Erith, Bexley, and East Greenwich, with a total of 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters battling the blaze. They even deployed a 32-metre turntable ladder to gain an aerial vantage point, helping commanders tackle the fierce flames.
“Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a mid-terraced townhouse converted into flats on Mangold Way in Erith. A garage and a flat were alight. The fire was under control by 9.16pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, but the blast caused chaos locally with some residents evacuating as a precaution. “We heard a huge bang—it shook the windows. Then we saw the flames. It was terrifying,” said one shaken neighbour.
Authorities including the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade are probing the incident. Gas involvement has not been ruled out, but nothing is confirmed yet. Residents are advised to avoid the scene while safety checks continue.
Originally published by UKNIP.
