Full details of road closures and rail disruption in Wolverhampton as crews still battling major blaze
Motorists and commuters are facing disruption on road and rail in Wolverhampton almost 12 hours after a huge blaze tore through a disused factory near to a gas depot.
An evacuation plan was drawn up for residents due to the amount of smoke and the fire breaking out next to the BOC gas depot. Wolverhampton Council confirmed that no residents were evacuated from the area, however, some businesses in the city have been unable to open.
Firefighters were called to a "large fire at a derelict factory at Lower Horseley Fields" just after 9pm on Monday, with a major incident being declared around an hour later.
Trains between Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Birmingham are also disrupted as a result. Some bus routes are also affected with other bus services accepting train tickets due to the cancellations and delays.
Road closures are in place on Lower Walsall Street, Lower Horseley Fields, and Colliery Road. Willenhall Road remains closed both ways between Middle Cross and Old Heath Road.
The fire was engulfing the entire factory, and photos and videos from the scene captured the sheer scale of the blaze. More to follow.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said: "Five fire engines and two hydraulic platforms remain on scene. Road closures are in place on Lower Walsall Street, Lower Horseley Fields, and Colliery Road, as our resources require safe access in and out of the incident area."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “There were no patients requiring treatment, but ambulance staff remained on scene to support colleagues from the fire service, before being stood down at 6.30am today.
“If you are within a close distance of the area please ensure you keep all windows and doors closed and stay indoors where you can.”
Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "This has been a major fire and I am enormously grateful to the firefighters who have worked all night to try to bring it under control.
"There was an evacuation alert locally and I hope residents are able to resume their normal lives as soon as possible."
