Huge explosion near oil depot 'is like Buncefield all over again'

Workers were quickly evacuated as huge clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky - evoking memories of the terrifying blaze that ripped through the area two years ago.

Karen Hamilton, who works at a nearby cafe in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, today said: "It's like Buncefield all over again.

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"There is black smoke everywhere and people are being evacuated. It sounds like gun shots going off.

"I just can't believe it-lightening doesn't usually strike twice."

The fire broke out a mile from Buncefield oil deopot - the site of one of Britain's biggest explosions.

Emergency services have put a 200 metre cordon around the building in case there are more explosions.

The blast is believed to have been caused by a fire in a skip at Holywell Haulage recycling plant, Maxted Close.

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Police say there are no known injuries at this time.

The black smoke plume is not believed to be dangerous but is being investigated by fire officers.

Surrounding businesses have been evacuated and roads have been closed at the industrial estate.

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Nearby resident Lynn Whitton said: "There is a big plume of smoke and we heard a series of explosions. My husband first thought 'oh no not another Buncefield.'"

A onlooker said: "I heard a series of emergency service vehicles go past our work. From our workplace at the end of the Industrial Estate you can see enormous amounts of black smoke."

Talha Lunat, who was working nearby, said: "There is a lot of black smoke. You can tell there is plastic burning. The police are escorting everyone out."

Pat Weeks can see the smoke from her home, she said: "I heard explosions from my garden and there's thick black smoke coming over the flats ay Keanes Field. It looks like a replica of when Buncefield blew up."

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