Smoke billows into sky after ‘explosion’ as 60 firefighters tackle huge blaze

Dozens of firefighters have battled a huge blaze in east London after an apparent explosion tore the roof off a house.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were tackling the fire at a terraced house in Ley Street, Ilford. Two people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

Reports of an explosion were shared widely on social media, with video showing the roof and first floor of the two-storey property on fire.

London Fire Brigade station commander Darren McTernan said earlier on Tuesday: “Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire under control.

“Ley Street is closed between Eastern Avenue and Vicarage Road, impacting traffic in the surrounding area, so please avoid the area if you can.

“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene to help fight the fire from above. The Brigade’s drone team have also been deployed to the incident, offering the incident commander an aerial view of the scene.”

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