House collapses after explosion as firefighters tackle blaze in London

House collapses after explosion as forty firefighters tackle blaze in south London

• A house in south London has collapsed following an explosion this morning
• The London Fire Brigade have around forty firefighters ate the scene
• Cause of the explosion is not yet known and people are asked to avoid area

Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze after a terraced house collapsed amid a fire and explosion near Croydon.

There are around 40 firefighters and six fire engines at the scene on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the cause of the fire and explosion is not known.

LFB said it had taken 13 calls to the incident since 7.08am and are asking people to avoid the area as they tackle the flames. 

A house has collapsed on Thornton Heath, South London

Residents living nearby described hearing the explosion this morning, one said on Facebook: ‘The bang frightened the life out of me. I’m opposite Galpin’s, they have the helicopter circling & can hear sirens.’ 

Councillor Martin Whelton tweeted: ‘There has been a serious fire explosion incident in Galpins Road, Thornton Heath in Pollards Hill ward.

‘The emergency services are at the scene. Hope everyone is okay but at this stage information is limited.’

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said in a statement: ‘Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters have been called to a fire and explosion on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath.

‘A terraced house has collapsed following an explosion.

‘The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken 13 calls to the incident.

‘The Brigade was called at 0708. Fire crews from Norbury, Mitcham, West Norwood, Woodside and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

‘The cause of the fire and explosion is not known at this time.’

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