Van demolished and car, flats damaged after huge blaze in Bellingham

By Lina Kurdi

A huge fire caused an explosion that could be heard for miles across South-east London yesterday afternoon.

A van was demolished by the blaze in Randlesdown Road, Bellingham just after 5pm.

A car and two flats were also damaged by the blaze, the cause of which is being investigated.

Eyewitness, Tyrone Raven, 48, who lives in neighbouring Broadmead Road, was on his way home from the shops when he saw a tall tree on fire and watched it as it spread.

Mr Raven said: “As soon as I saw the tree on fire I called 999.

“The fire was out of control and it spread across to the industrial area and the flats quickly. People were running.”

Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters were sent to the scene.

Fire engines from Beckenham, Bromley, Forest Hill and surrounding stations attended.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Firefighters tackled flames that demolished a van and engulfed a group of sheds and outbuildings.

“A car and two first-floor neighbouring flats were also partially damaged.

“After conducting a systemic search of all the buildings impacted by the fire, the firefighters removed two gas cylinders.

“There were no reports of injuries, and the flames were brought under control just before 6.30pm.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Pictured top: Damage to flats in Randlesdown Road, Bellingham (Picture: Tyrone Raven)