By Ryan Thom Tim Hanlon
A huge fire has ripped through a set of major railway arches after a number of gas cylinders reportedly exploded. Fire crews have rushed to deal with the early stages of a blaze under the London Underground Piccadilly line tracks in South Harrow. London Fire Brigade were called to reports of a fire affecting a range of railway arches, and businesses, including vehicle workshops, situated within the arches near Roxeth Green Avenue in South Harrow at around 1.30am this morning, The Mirror reports. A number of gas cylinders are believed to have exploded sparking the huge inferno in the UK capital with crews “likely” to be at scene well into the morning. In a statement, LFB said: “Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire near Roxeth Green Avenue in South Harrow. “The fire occurred at a range of four railway arches, housing businesses including vehicle workshops and other commercial uses. The properties have been severely damaged by fire. “Firefighters have worked hard to bring the fire under control but the Brigade is likely to maintain a significance presence on scene for several more hours.” Pictures on social media show large plumes of smoke billow from the fire. There have been no injuries reported so far and the cause of the fire remains unclear at this stage. Authorities will investigate this as part of the operation. Roxeth Green Avenue connects the Northolt Park area in the southwest to the Roxeth area of Harrow in the north. It runs underneath the Piccadilly Line near the junction with The Arches, an industrial road which takes traffic northeast towards Rayners Lane. London Fire Service also stated: “People in the local area were asked to keep their windows and doors closed during th e height of the fire due to smoke travel. “An unknown number of gas cylinders at the site are believed to have exploded during the early stages of the incident. Firefighters have safely removed two further cylinders and cooled them to an ambient temperature, as gas cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. “Road closures are currently in place in Roxeth Green Avenue, near the junction of The Arches, and are expected to remain in place throughout the night and into the morning. The Piccadilly Underground line, which runs over the railway arches, is expected to be severely impacted when services are due to resume in the morning. Transport for London has confirmed the Piccadilly line is currently suspended between South Harrow and Uxbridge stations. “The Brigade received the first of around 40 calls about the fire at 0118 and mobilised crews from Harrow, Wembley, Stanmore, Ruislip and surrounding fire stations to the scene. Two 32-metre turntable ladders have also attended and been used as water towers to help extinguish the fire from above. A drone has also been deployed, providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the incident.”