A BLAZE broke out at an industrial estate in Haydock last night forcing emergency crews to enforce a 250-metre safety cordon and close roads, including a section of the East Lancs.

Dramatic mobile phone footage and pictures taken by onlookers emerged as firefighters battled the blaze at RT Keedwell on Bahama Road in Haydock.

The fire broke out in a single storey building on the Haydock Industrial Estate, just off the East Lancs Road, shortly after 4pm.

People took to social media to report explosions coming from inside and flames could be seen shooting from the roof.

The building contained acetylene gas cylinders and 1,000 litres of diesel fuel.

Mersey Fire and Rescue Service said it believed that the fire may have been started accidentally by welding sparks but this cannot be confirmed at this stage.

Police set up the cordon around the scene and closed several roads, including a stretch of the East Lancs Road and a slip road on the nearby M6.

It caused massive disruption on the busy route and there was heavy traffic congestion for more than five hours.

Mersey Fire and Rescue Service announced that shortly after 10pm the fire had been extinguished and the police cordon had been reduced to 100 metres.

However, they continued to monitor two acetylene cylinders and three fire appliancs remained on the scene last night.

UPDATE: 10.10pm

  • The fire has been extinguished and the police cordon has been reduced to 100 metres.
  • Two acetylene cylinders are being monitored and are at a constant and low temperature.
  • Traffic delays are now cleared.
  • It is believed that the fire may have been started accidentally by welding sparks but this cannot be confirmed at this point.
  • Firefighters remain at the scene with three appliances.

Earlier report: 

There are five fire engines on site as it is believed there are up to 1,000 litres of diesel inside the single storey factory unit along with a number of vehicles and a gas cylinder.

A 250 metre cordon is in place and Costco has been evacuated. At this stage there are no reports of any injuries.

Fire crews arrived shortly after 4.10pm.

There were reports of explosions heard at the site.

Motorists are being warned to avoid the East Lancs Road at Haydock which is closed in both directions.  A 250 metre stretch of the road is affected.

Police saidt  a number of road closures have been put in place.

A statement read: "Motorists are advised to avoid the area whilst the incident is ongoing, there is currently significant congestion in the area and we would like to thank the public for their continued patience whilst this incident is ongoing."

The road closures are as follows:

  • East Lancashire Road with the junction of Liverpool Road

 

  • Both carriageways of Haydock Lane

 

  • Piele Road

 

  • Millfield Lane is closed at the junction of the East Lancashire Road and Liverpool Road

 

  • Kenyons Lane southbound is closed at the junction of the East Lancashire Road


The M6 exit slip road at Haydock Island (Junction 23) is also closed

 

Paul Hocken took this dramatic video of a fireball shooting from the roof.