Nottingham train station fire: 50 firefighters tackle HUGE blaze - commuters evacuated
NOTTINGHAM train station is being ravaged by fire forcing a major evacuation of passengers at the start of rush hour.
Dramatic images from the scene show the bright red flames spreading through the building and thick smoke has filled the foyer.
As the sun came up, plumes of smoke could be seen coming above the station.
Ten fire crews and more than 50 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which is believed to have started at 6.30am this morning in the ladies' bathroom.
The building has been evacuated and trains have been stopped from entering and leaving all platforms.
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A cordon has been put in place outside the building and around Carrington Street.
Muhamad Tamimy, 18, an A-level student at Wolverhampon Grammar, of Mapperley Park, was at the station when the blaze broke out.
He told the Nottingham Post: “I was supposed to have my first lesson at 9.15am but obviously that’s not going to happen. It’s disruptive but I suppose safety comes first.
“I was here at 6.50 when there was a full-on evacuation, there was a lot of people.
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“I was born in Pakistan so I am used to massive evacuations but you don’t expect it here. Everyone was calm. I was told it started in the toilet.”
Chris Burdett, 40, added: “It does not like we are going to be using the train now.
“It’s annoying and traffic is absolute carnage on London Road and around the Meadows. I may as well get in my car and go back home.”
The roads around the station have been closed, with traffic being diverted from the Hooters crossing towards the Trent Bridge area.
Station Street, Carrington Street and Queen’s Road have also been closed by Nottinghamshire Police and the fire brigade.
A spokesman for the Fire Service said: “We were called at 6.25am to reports of a fire in the ladies toilet on a platform. All trains have been isolated. Eight crews are currently on the scene. Crews are still on the scene. There are no more details available yet.”
The fire brigade later added: “This is a fully developed fire in the main concourse of the station - which has spread to the roof.
“Crews are currently working to stop the fire from spreading, thank you for your patience whilst.”
Scores of people have taken to social media in reaction to the dramatic images and footage from the station.
One person tweeted: “Hope this fire at Nottingham station isn't too serious. Looked pretty big from the video I saw.”
Another said: “Hope Nottingham station isn’t badly damaged!”
A third added: “Black smoke is pouring out the station... don’t see this opening again anytime soon.”
PA
PA
Commuters have ben advised not to travel to the station, with delays on the line now expected.
East Midlands Rail tweeted: “Please do not travel to Nottingham station this morning as trains will be unable to run and we are unable to provide road transport to/from the station.”
The railway company also confirmed no trains are able to run to or from Nottingham. People are now being advised to avoid the area.
It said in a statement: "Emergency services have been called to Nottingham station to deal with a fire. The station has been evacuated and there have been no reports of any injuries to customers or staff.
"We will continue to assist the emergency services in any way that we can.
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"No trains will be stopping at the station until further notice.
"Our current advice to customers is not to travel to or from Nottingham station this morning.
"Passengers are advised to check www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk for the latest travel information."
The following train companies will accept East Midlands Trains tickets on their services: Virgin Trains East Coast, Virgin Trains, Transpennine Express, Cross Country, London Midland, Greater Anglia.
BBC
BBC
Trentbarton buses have also been affected by the blaze. A spokesman for the bus service said: “There is no services that will serve Carrington Street until the road re-opens. We have staff on site to assist customers, but please bear with us.”
Disruption was expected to continue until at least 10am but no trains are now expected until further notice.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Road closures in the surrounding areas means traffic is also very heavy if you’re travelling through Nottingham; allow for extra journey time where possible.
“Traffic is heavier than usual in both directions on London Road and Lower Parliament Street due to the incident at the station.”
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