Police have said at a press conference that there are 36 casualties as a result of the explosion, 4 serious. Panic buying of petrol has been reported in some areas against all advice from the police. Although the police are treating the incident as an accident they are ‘keeping an open mind’. Anyone feeling unwell was advised to call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. The Chief fire officer described the fire as the largest he’d ever seen. The fire may burn for several days and foam stocks need to be built up before a major assault on the blaze can take place. Most networks have avoided the use of the word ‘terrorism’, but it is surely in the minds of many. An earlier report which said that a plane hit the depot has been dismissed by police. The explosions which happened at shortly after 06:30 GMT, could be heard 60 km away and smoke is enveloping a widespread area with residents being advised to stay at home and keep their windows closed. The M25 and M1 are partially closed and the public are being told to keep away from the scene and keep tuned to TV and radio reports. Terrestial TV remains on regularly scheduled programming. Radio stations are providing slightly better advisory coverage but the main source of information is coming from the 24 news stations, Sky, BBC 24 and ITV News.
[10:48 GMT 11/12/2005]
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