Blaze rocks factory site

Explosions rocked a battery plant, sending plumes of thick acrid smoke across the Black Country.

More than 80 firefighters battled raging 100ft flames during the height of the blaze which tore through G&P Batteries Ltd in Willenhall last night.

Part of the warehouse collapsed and up to 15 tonnes of lithium batteries and cylinders continued to explode at the firm on the Crescent Works Industrial Unit in Willenhall Road, on the border with Darlaston, this morning.

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At the height of the fire, thick smoke spread across part of the Black Country Route, which was closed for several hours.

A 200ft cordon has been put in place and Willenhall Road, along with surrounding roads such as Bentley Road South and The Crescent, remained closed to traffic today. Around 30 firefighters remained at the site of the battery collection recycling firm today with residents urged to stay indoors as smoke from the blaze continues to billow across the area.

West Midlands Fire Service spokesman Mike Fox said that early indications were that the fire was accidental but further investigations would need to tale place.

He warned people in the area to keep windows closed.

Hundreds of people gathered on the surrounding streets to watch the drama unfold at the height of the fire when black smoke could be seen around the region. It is believed to have started in a unit at around 6.15pm last night when explosions from the batteries and a number of cylinders could be heard.

Ken Baker, from Bentley, looked on as the blaze took hold of the factory unit last night.

He said: "I just heard banging then saw the smoke, and the flames must have been around 100ft high." No-one was seriously injured by the fire. An ambulance crew team specialising in dealing with hazardous chemicals remained at the scene as a precaution until the early hours.

Paramedics treated two firefighters for inhaling smoke.

G&P Batteries recycles batteries from cars and electrical goods.

Spokesman Greg Clementson said: "Currently we are unable to access the premises until the fire authorities authorise us to do so. Therefore we have been unable to assess the full extent of the damage. "However, our fleet is unaffected and waste battery collections are continuing today and as soon as we are allowed to re-enter the premises business will continue."

Alan Boyd, emergency planning officer for Walsall Council said: "Structural engineers are on site today to advise the fire service and the owner of the facility.

"Pollution control officers will also attend the scene today and local ward councillors have been notified.

"Any possible contamination of a nearby canal will be dealt with by the Environment Agency."