(Updated) BREAKING NEWS: Massive Series of Explosions rock Southern England

Sky News UK ^ | December 11, 2005

[Big Bad Bob]

Reports of up to Four Explosions at a fuel depot Near Hemel Hempstead, North West of London, according to Sky

__________________

Update:

Explosion Near London


The first picture, taken by a Sky News viewer

Map of the area

Updated: 06:41, Sunday December 11, 2005

There has been a large explosion followed by two smaller blasts in the St Albans area, around 25 miles north of London.

Sky Correspondent Sky Meade has said he can see flames about 200ft in the sky and there appears to be burning fuel.

Speaking by telephone from his home, Meade described "burning tongues" of flames in the sky.

The first blast happened at 6.03am - the other explosions followed about 20 minutes later.

Meade, a seasoned war reporter said he can see what looks like "burning aviation fuel".

"This fire is extremely intense. It is a bright orange glow on the horizon," he said.

Witnesses have told Sky News they heard the blast near Junction 8 of the M1. It is thought to be centred around Bunsfield fuel depot, near Hemel Hempstead.

The blast was felt at Sky Centre - more than 20 miles away in west London.

It was so powerful it blew out the windows at a hotel in Hemel Hempstead. There are reports of injuries there.

And one witness has told how the explosion shook his mother's house and lifted the roof.

Witnesses have told Sky News that emergency services are converging on the area.

Sky News producer Anwar Tambe heard the blast from his home in Luton and is currently stuck in traffic on the M1.

He said blasts are "going off regularly" and debris has blown onto the motorway.

More follows...

[Slings and Arrows]

I think that if Mr. Townshend sees what we've been doing, we're both going to be in trouble.

He'd have to see it, because he's darn sure not going to hear about it.

[onyx]

Please ping me with any substantial news. I am going to bed to TRY to sleep. With my mind racing, I'll likely be back here soon. :)

[papertyger]

Go on! Get yer sleeeEEeeep. Yer all worthless an weak ;o)

[EternalVigilance]

I agree. I think the chances of a plane hitting those tanks accidently is infinitesimally small.

[CAWats]

It's those darn Evangelicals!

[FairOpinion]

Thanks! I haven't heard about the plane, but I wouldn't put it past the terrorists that they would do that.

They are getting really desperate.

[onyx]

LOL! Yes, it is -- already 1 hour and 39 minutes into the morning, so "good morning Doug."

[sageb1]

Someone posted the following this week. I was NOT happy. I sent it to FNC to various people, including one who has never failed to respond to an email from me. This time there was no response about el-Walid's shares in News Corp.

The Political Front (Information is an important tool on the road to victory in the war on terror.) The Political Front (Information is an important tool on the road to victory in the war on terror.) NRO ^ | December 07, 2005 | Frank J. Gaffney Jr.

[metmom]

"Hope it's not terrorism. Part of me almost hopes it was though. Is that normal?"

Probably. It would be a reason and give some certainty. I think people might feel more secure than when some really random thing strikes because then you don't feel so vulnerable to forces you can't control. If that makes any sense.

[onyx]

Same here -- I have Dish also.

[Old Sarge]

Heh, heh... I think that can also be arranged.

The onyl debate is, once we identify the victim, what method of termination shall be employed. My vote is axe; one vote each for shotgun or .50 cal...

[FairOpinion]

Thanks -- there are so many posts, I didn't read them all.

[doug from upland]

I guess I am a wuss. I'm turning in. Goodnight.

[FairOpinion]

Thanks for the info about the plane.

[doug from upland]

Perhaps it could be sold on eBay with the photos and documentation. Franken would love to see that.

[papertyger]

The story has to give you pause no matter what the ultimate cause.

[onyx]

No you're not, but "good night Doug."

I'm outta here too.

[metmom]

Me, too. Good night fellow wusses.

[msnimje]

There's no word on casualties or the cause. But a homeowner three miles away says the blast shook his house violently.

http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=4229526&nav=6uy6

[FreedomCalls]

I'm listening to BBC5 on the radio and they are taking calls from people nearby who are reporting large booms. I can't find any BBC-TV streams but the radio streams are all up. BBC5 (news and sports) is up with continuous coverage.