Explosions and smoke plumes in Leeds amid plastics factory fire
Locals in Bramley, Leeds, reported hearing explosions as a plume of black smoke could be seen overhead.
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.Plumes of black smoke could be seen over Leeds on Monday along with the sound of explosions as a large fire broke out at a plastics factory.
People nearby shared social media posts stating they heard explosions before the fire broke out at the factory on Anchor Works in Swinnow Lane, Bramley.
Images and videos shared online showed the plumes of smoke could be seen from miles away.
“Something big is up in flames in Leeds,” wrote Sy Scott, while @LeedsBookClub tweeted “Blooming heck! What’s that? Something is going up quick!”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported to the incident at around 12pm on Monday with five appliances.
The service is advising those in the area to keep windows and doors closed, and to avoid the Bramley area where possible.
A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters are in attendance at a fire at a plastics factory on Anchor Works in Swinnow Lane, Bramley.
“We received several calls at around 12 noon today to the incident.
“Crews are in attendance from Stanningley, Leeds and Rawdon along with two engines from Bradford.
“Due to large amount of smoke in the area we are advising people to keep windows and doors closed and also to avoid the area if possible.”
In a Facebook post, the service added: “5 WYFRS appliances are currently in attendance at an incident in Bramley, Leeds, which has created a huge plume of black smoke.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.