Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Shock as BBC lorry and police car blown up close to O2 arena in London

‘Our buildings shook’ Neighbour’s fears after ‘controlled’ explosion of police car

Barney Davis
Saturday 31 August 2024 18:21 EDT
Comments
(@data_barbs)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Firefighters rushed to the scene of a film set explosion close to the O2 Arena sparking panic among locals.

London Fire Brigade were called to a yard in Dock Road, Silvertown, at 7.51pm on Saturday after a stunt went out of control.

The blaze destroyed a van and damaged a car and a lorry, LFB added.

One resident showed pictures before the explosion of a BBC truck and a police car waiting on the dock

She told The Independent: “From my understanding it was part of filming planned for tomorrow.

“I didn’t see it but heard a loud bang and went outside to see the fire.”

She added: “We were told it would happen last week, but clearly they forgot to inform the people on the side of the explosion of its postponement and fire services, because they sent so many trucks. Our buildings vibrated.”

Pictures taken before the explosion
Pictures taken before the explosion (@data_barbs)

A total of 25 firefighters tackled the blaze and it was under control by 9.02pm.

No injuries were reported.

LFB posted on X on Saturday evening saying: “The fire at an open air yard in #Silvertown is now under control.

“One van was destroyed by the fire and most of a car and lorry were damaged by the fire. There are currently no reports of any injuries.”

It added: “The fire in #Silvertown followed a controlled explosion at a film set which spread out of control. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which is now under control.

“Crews will remain on scene for the remainder of the evening.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in