(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...

[syriacus]

Usage maps of the Hemel Hempstead area?

http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/planning/dacorum_lp/map_frame.htm?inset_01_422

[Cindy]

Smiling..yep...maybe with a scone or two...

[shaggy eel]

,,, I think Total is a French company.

[Hadean]

Video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolavconsole/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_4510000/newsid_4518000/bb_wm_4518008.stm

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Coincidence?

Terror threat to 'crowded areas' (Nationwide Warning in UK)
UK Times - Dec. 11, 2005 - David Leppard
Posted on 12/10/2005 9:47:52 PM PST by FairOpinion

[janetjanet998]

BBC :depot supplied, diesel
petro and HEATING OIL(ouch)

[BunnySlippers]

Fox covering Natalee Holloway right now.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

They disgust me.

[Canard]

The statements from the police have said they are 'treating it as an accident' - that's not a definitive ruling out of the alternative. Notice the difference from the reported police statements on the 'plane crash' theory which they said was definitively 'untrue'.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

"the smoke is not toxic".

I really have a hard time believing this, especially since cigarettes are considered toxic. Are they saying that this fire is less toxic than cigarettes?

[Canard]

"you don't think making a statement of "no evidence" when it's patently clear there's been no opportunity to collect any evidence is significant?"

No, to be honest.

[BunnySlippers]

CNN just had the blurb "Police say explosion DEFINATELY an accident".

[msnimje]

I guess they mean it is not in toxic in that it will not kill you today.

[ScaniaBoy]

Telegraph website updated
(finally). Contains this quote from the police:

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said: "Police and other emergency services are attending the area of Buncefield oil depot near Hemel Hempstead following reports of an explosion just after 6am.

"There is nothing to suggest at this stage that this is anything but an accident, but we are keeping an open mind. Contrary to rumours in circulation, there is also nothing to suggest that a plane was involved in this accident."

[Canard]

I think that's a misinterpretation, at any rate I haven't seen a police statement reported here that says that.

[eastforker]

If this is just a fuel storage depot and not a refinery the explosian is very suspect. Gas and diesel, heating oil just doesn't "blow up" very easily. Catch fire and burn, yes.

[vimto]

That what I have heard. Prayers for the emergency services. 4 critically injured

[BunnySlippers]

I don't know. I think it will take a day or two to get the answer.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

BBC expecting a briefing from the Hertfordshire Police Constable and Fire Chief soon.

Official reports a 4 people are being treated for serious injuries and 16 for minor injuries. They also expect updates from the local hospital soon.

[syriacus]

Introduction to the TotalFinaElf Pipelines

TotalFinaElf operate within the UK two pipelines, transporting a wide range of petroleum products around the United Kingdom to all our customers. The two pipelines are: Fina-Line - a 10” multi-product high-pressure pipeline. Colnbrook-Line - a 12” single product medium pressure pipeline. We carry out regular maintenance on our pipelines in order to preserve their safe condition.

This includes aerial surveillance and walking the route annually to ensure that the pipeline remains free from unauthorised activity. The pipelines protection includes cathodic protection and regular inspection which however, cannot prevent accidental damage by third party intervention. ‘Third Party’ interference is proven to be the major cause of damage to underground pipelines.

If you are aware of any ‘third party’ activity in the vicinity of the pipeline, please call us on FREEPHONE: 0800 592 246.

Introduction to the TotalFinaElf Pipelines When planning new works in close proximity of the pipelines, we need as much advance notice as possible, so together we can agree safe working conditions. Please note, that Fina-Line is further protected because TotalFinaElf owns the land in which it lies. Formally FINA purchased a subterranean freehold or 999 year leasehold titles for the length of this pipeline. This means any proposed service crossing of Fina-Line on private land will require a legal wayleave agreement with TotalFinaElf UK Limited in addition to any operational or technical consents, before any work can be done. Our aim is simply to remind those living or working near the pipeline to be aware, remain alert and help us protect the environment.

Left undisturbed, these pipelines are safe and environmentally friendly. Please help us keep it that way... If you are aware of any ‘Third Party’ activity in the vicinity of the pipeline, please call us on FREEPHONE: 0800 592 246

“Our aim is simply to remind those living or working near the pipeline to be aware, remain alert and help us protect the environment”

“TotalFinaElf carries out regular maintenance on the pipeline in order to preserve its safe condition”

Awareness Promotes Safety

[snip]

Pipe route into Buncefield Terminal

The Fina-Line is a high-pressure fuels pipeline transporting products from Lindsey Oil Refinery, North Lincolnshire to Buncefield Terminal at Hemel Hempstead.

The pipeline is 10” diameter of welded steel construction and was installed in 1990 to a minimum depth of 1,1 metres cover. The location of the pipeline is identified by concrete boundary markers and roofed aerial markers. The route itself is identified on the maps contained within this document.

Fina-Line Fina-Line transports products including petrol, diesel, aviation, agricultural and heating fuels, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to the Buncefield Terminal Hemel Hempstead, from where it is distributed to industry and community.

------- Page 12 PIPELINE OPERATIONS Buncefield Terminal, Green Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7HZ L1117 04/02 FL5 - Designed and pr oduced In-house by T otalFinaElf Corporate Communications/Multimedia - Email: Peter .burr ows@tot al.co.uk