Lancing 'explosion': Buildings evacuated and trains disrupted as crews scramble from across Sussex

A huge fire at Lancing Business Park is producing so much smoke it has disrupted train travel.
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The blaze at the business park started just after 1pm this afternoon, after eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions at a scrap metal yard.

Trains are now having to run at reduced speed as the sheer volume of smoke disrupts travel.

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A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it had received 65 999 calls about the incident by around 3.15pm, as pictures of the fire from miles around spread across social media.

Firefighters tackle the blazeFirefighters tackle the blaze
Firefighters tackle the blaze

Crews from Lancing, Worthing, Shoreham, East Preston, Arundel, Brighton and Hove and an aerial platform from Haywards Heath are all tackling the fire, the spokesman said.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using compressed air foam from the Aerial Ladder Platform to tackle the fire, as well as four jets, and two hydrants," said the spokesman.

“Sussex Police have closed a number of roads surrounding the industrial estate, and there is a 50 metre cordon in place. The fire is not affecting the nearby railway line, but services will run at a reduced speed due to the level of smoke in the area.

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"Our Technical Rescue Unit are providing crews on the ground with images from the service drone which is in operation above the scene of the fire."

Adur and Worthing Police tweeted to say teams were assisting at the scene, cordoning off the area and evacuating people from nearby buildings.