A massive inferno has erupted near an industrial park in Birmingham, sending emergency services into a frenzy as they battle the flames close to the M6 in Tyburn.
Astonishing videos circulating on social media reveal a towering column of smoke visible all the way from Birmingham Airport, with clips suggesting the fire is raging behind the well-known B&M store.
The West Midlands Fire Service has taken to Twitter to issue urgent advice, dispatching numerous crews to tackle the fire at Hastingwood Industrial Park on Wood Lane, Erdington. Residents have been urged to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke inhalation, while motorists are advised to steer clear of the area and plan alternative routes due to the severity of the incident.
One social media user expressed their alarm: “It’s one of the industrial units right next to the Costa. I was just having a coffee when they evacuated. We could see the flames leaping into the sky. Pretty terrifying to be honest.”
Another added: “Huge fire in Birmingham can be seen from Moseley. It’s beside The Fort by the M6.”, reports the Mirror.
Meanwhile, a third person cautioned: “All roads gridlocked looks like it’s in the area of the fort.”
Motorists are facing chaos on the roads after a raging inferno at a factory prompted the closure of Wood Lane, causing severe congestion in the surrounding areas. Traffic Service INRIX reported: “Wood Lane in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to building fire between A4040 Bromford Lane and Holly Lane. Congestion to surrounding routes around Bromford and Tyburn including the A38 Tyburn Road and Bromford Lane. Routes around Washwood Heath are also heavily congested. The M6 in both directions app. The road is closed following a large fire.”
The blaze has also thrown a spanner in the works for local shoppers, with access to Fort Shopping centre now cut off from the Castle Vale side due to the closure of Heartlands Parkway. The popular retail destination, home to an array of fashion outlets, homeware shops and eateries, is currently out of reach for those approaching from that direction.
Fire crews have been battling the flames since the afternoon, with the fire service providing an update: “Shortly after 3.20pm on Thursday (17 July), we responded to Hastingwood Industrial Park, Wood Lane, Erdington. We currently have 12 fire engines, 3 44 brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial platform at the scene. A fire engine from Tamworth Fire Station (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service) is also in attendance. More resources are likely to be mobilised.”
They assured the public, stating: “This is a fire in a factory, which is not currently affecting The Fort shopping centre which is nearby.”