Dramatic images and footage have been published online as a fire continues to rage near Elephant and Castle Station this afternoon.
Around 100 firefighters have been battling the flames, first reported at around 1.45pm today (June 28), at a series of commercial units housed in railway arches by Elephant and Castle Station.
One man is being treated by ambulance crews, according to emergency services.
A statement from the LFB said: “Fifteen engines and around 100 firefighters have been called to a fire near Elephant and Castle Railway Station.
“Three commercial units underneath the railway arches are completely alight and six cars and a telephone box are also alight.
“One man is being treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.”
Station Commander James Ryan, who is at the scene, warned people to “avoid the area” and “keep windows and doors closed”.
The Metropolitan Police said a number of evacuations took place after a fire broke out in Elephant and Castle.
Live updates: 100 firefighters on scene of major fire in Elephant and Castle
A statement said: “Police were called at approximately 13:47hrs in response to a fire on Elephant Road, SE17.
“Officers and the London Ambulance Service are supporting London Fire Brigade at the scene.
“There are significant road closures in place and the public are advised to avoid the area.
“The station has been evacuated and residential evacuations are taking place.
“At this early stage, the incident is not believed to be terror related.”
One resident at the Strata building said she saw dozens of people gathering outside and went to investigate the scene.
“I don’t really know what’s going on, we’ve been told by the police the building has been evacuated about 10 minutes ago,” she said.
@BBCBreaking Massive fire in Southwark, Elephant and Castle. pic.twitter.com/jyjjnBpXDB
— Muktai Panchal (she/her) (@Muktai) June 28, 2021
“It’s a bit scary, it’s not really clear what’s happening.”
One worker at the Strata, who was guarding the door at the block of flats, was seen telling residents: “You’re allowed back in, stay away from the windows, if you’re going in, stay in.
Read more: Large 'fireball' erupts through Elephant and Castle station
“They’re (the police) trying to stop people from going in and out, in and out, they need to control the number of people in the building. You need to be prepared to stay in for a while.”
Elephant and Castle explosion! 😳 First the demolition project collapsed and a few minutes later this happened! #elephantandcastle #fire @BBCNews @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/sbTHheHfXg
— Ida Poysti (@PoystiIda) June 28, 2021
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged the public to avoid the Elephant and Castle area “until further update”.
He said he was aware of the fire at the station and his team was working closely with Transport for London and Network Rail.
“Thank you to all the emergency services currently in attendance,” he added.
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