Staines fire updates: Tower block erupts into flames with plume of black smoke seen for miles
A TOWER block in Staines has erupted into flames and plumes of black smoke fill the air, as horrified locals report a “huge explosion”.
It is understood the terrifying inferno was sparked by the Elmsleigh Centre car park, near London Road.
Emergency services are at the scene battling to extinguish the flames.
The horror fire was reported at around 12.58pm this afternoon.
Residents have been warned to stay indoors while keeping their windows and doors closed.
A concerned local said: “Just heard a huge explosion outside my house – a tower block under construction down the road is now up in flames in Staines Upon Thames.”
Another witness added: “Huge fire with thick black plume of smoke on roof of new build flats in Staines town centre. Hope all are safe.”
“Fire on roof of high rise apartment block in Staines right now looks very bad,” someone told LBC.
Thick black smoke clouds were seen from miles away, with reports from airline passengers landing at Heathrow spotting the smog.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.
One social media user near the frantic scene penned: “Huge fire broken out in Staines town centre.
“Looks to be from the rooftop of the new flats being built.”
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We received a call this afternoon around 12.30pm to a report of a fire at the former Tothill Car Park, Elmsleigh Road, Staines-upon-Thames.
“Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire. Please can you avoid the area if possible and we ask residents to keep their windows shut.”