Weybridge explosion: Huge plumes of black smoke and 40 firefighters called to fire at St George's school in Surrey
The fire broke out at around 12.30pm
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Huge plumes of black smoke are billowing above St George's junior school in Weybridge, Surrey, after an explosion.
Ambulances, a helicopter and fire engines are all at the scene, but no injuries have been reported.
Chris Marchington was in his back garden with his son when he heard a bang, Get Surrey said.
"It was the beginning of a smallish fire at that point, on the roof of the new build that's happening at St George's School," he said.
"It's now a major fire."
Fire at St George's school weybridge pic.twitter.com/dKOp9X9zZf
; Jamie Millar (@JamieMillarZZ) March 13, 2015 Mr Marchington also said that he heard "very nasty bangs" and described it as "really grim" with a "really nasty smell".
He said the fire appeared to have burnt away all the work done on the site over the past few months.
He also said that the end of Jessamy Road, close to the school, was sealed off, and ash and flecks of charcoal was still coming down over Thames Street and Jessamy Road.
Other residents reported seeing the huge clouds of black smoke above the town.
Neil Davison, general manager of Weybridge Heath Club in Walton Lane near the site, told the newspaper the fire was "absolutely huge".
"There was a small explosion, big enough for us to hear and there were flames on the roof of the new building," he said.
"Things then just escalated really quickly.
A Surrey Fire & Rescue Spokesman said: “We were called to a fire in Thames Street, Weybridge at 12:37 and have sent eight fire engines, a number of specialist vehicles and around 40 firefighters to the scene.
“At this time it is too early to comment further on the incident but updates will be provided on this site when available.”
More follows
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments