Series of explosions rock Derby city centre

Picture courtesy of James Allen

A series of major explosions in Derby city centre halted trains and left roads closed yesterday (22 April).

The explosions were in the Enterprise Way area of Derby, with plumes of smoke seen across the city, and are thought to have been caused by gas cylinders exploding at a firm which makes rubber matting for children’s play centres.

There were road closures in place at Prime Park Way, Stores Road to the junction with the Vauxhall garage, and Mansfield Road to the junction with Alfreton road.

Trains to and from London were also disrupted. A statement from East Midlands Trains said: “There is a fire next to the track north of Derby Station. Services on our London St Pancras/Derby/Sheffield and Matlock/Derby/Nottingham routes are currently disrupted.”

Fire crews from Derbyshire and Leicestershire reported to the scene with around 50 firefighters on site.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue issued a statement saying: “We are currently dealing with a commercial building fire in Derby City on Enterprise Way. People are urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke in the area.”

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