Brierley Hill factory wrecked in severe overnight blaze - PICTURES and VIDEO
An investigation is under way into the cause of the blaze seen by residents from miles around the Black Country
More than 40 firefighters tackled a blaze which ripped through a factory and offices in Brierley Hill.
Flames burst into the night sky sending smoke billowing across nearby homes and businesses.
People took to social media to share footage and pictures of the fire at premises.
It is unclear which business is based on the site although signs outside say A.K. International (IE) Ltd.
WATCH: Crowds gather as the fire takes hold. Footage: Craig Jones
The fire took hold shortly after 9.30pm last night at the business, in Fens Pool Avenue, Woodside.
Flames were seen raging inside the premises which features offices and an adjoining warehouse.
Eight fire crews were called from across the Black Country to tackle the blaze at its height.
PICTURES of the fire being tackled
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. No-one was injured in the blaze.
West Midlands Fire Service posted footage on social media showing the scale of the damage.
Images taken from inside buildings on site show significant damage with twisted metal and debris.
The warehouse, based within Wallows Road Industrial Estate, appears to have suffered severe damage.
Fire crews revealed the offices have been almost completely destroyed by the force of the fire.
Nearby resident, Beryl Lewis, 86, spoke of the drama as crowds were drawn to the commotion.
She said: "I thought it was a garden fire. There was lots of black smoke.
"There are two empty houses nearby and I thought somebody had set fire to them.
"There were cars and people going down the street. I came in – it unsettles you."
"It is the first fire I have seen for 60 odd years."
Paul Houghton, 50, employee for nearby Datum Engineering, said: "I got a phone call and someone said there was a fire.
"It was devastating when we came up. It was large and by the time we got here the roof had already gone.
"The building is derelict. They do import and export."
Oldbury Fire watch commander Mark Atkinson said: "The cause has not been confirmed. We have a fire investigation officer working at the moment."
WATCH firefighters remain at the scene today
He added: "There is an office section and an open warehouse. The damage is fully across and the whole of the warehouse is gutted.
"The office section with first floor is completely burnt out and the lower floors are completely smoke logged and damaged from smoke. There is nothing left."
Crews were continuing to dampen down and an investigation was ongoing.
Crews from West Bromwich and Oldbury fire stations were among those to remain at the site today.
No-one from A.K. International (IE) Ltd has been available for comment.
