A “controlled explosion” on a London film set near the O2 arena sparked a fire that destroyed a van and damaged two other vehicles, causing panic among residents and passersby.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded quickly to the scene, sending 25 firefighters and four fire engines to Dock Road and Trinity Buoy Wharf in Silvertown at 7.51pm on Saturday. Images captured a burning red lorry with the words “BBC World News” on its trailer, but BBC News confirmed they had no involvement in the incident.
Terrified residents took to social media to express their shock at the noise and smoke billowing across the Thames towards the venue, before police clarified that the incident was part of pre-planned filming and posed no risk to the public.
The controlled explosion, intended for the film production, spread and became out of control, leading to the destruction of one van and damage to a car and lorry. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, and the blaze was brought under control by 9.02pm.
Local resident Kieran McHugh described the scene as “carnage,” recounting how he heard three loud bangs before witnessing a huge plume of black smoke and flames in the sky. He expressed surprise at the lack of notification from the local authority regarding filming activities in the area.
Earlier in the day, the Metropolitan Police had assured the public that the incident was part of a pre-planned filming event in the Canning Town E16 area and posed no danger. A spokesman for BBC News reiterated that there was no BBC News involvement in the events of the evening in the Docklands.
As crews continue to monitor the site, residents and authorities are left to assess the aftermath of the unexpected fire caused by a seemingly routine controlled explosion on a film set.
