A large fire broke out early this morning at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester, causing chaos as thick black smoke and loud explosions filled the air.

The blaze, which began just after 8 a.m., involved several heavy goods vehicles, as confirmed by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

As the fire spread, nearby families were forced to evacuate due to the intense smoke and flames.

Explosions and Smoke Fill the Air

The dramatic scenes were witnessed by locals, with one X user describing the explosions as “popping off,” audible from up to three miles away in Altrincham.

The fire sent thick clouds of smoke high into the sky, visible from as far as Manchester city center, over ten miles away.

Powerful orange flames could be seen shooting up from the burning vehicles.

The explosions and smoke led to widespread concern, with some locals fearing it could be the result of an attack.

One woman, startled by the blasts, jokingly feared Britain was being bombed by Russia.

Emergency Services Rush to the Scene

A massive emergency response team, including ten fire engines, Greater Manchester Police, and North West Ambulance Service, was quickly dispatched to tackle the fire.

Despite the severity of the blaze, no injuries were reported.

Authorities urged residents nearby to keep their windows and doors shut to prevent inhalation of the thick smoke.

Fire Under Control by Midday

By around 12:40 p.m., the fire was largely under control, with just one small area still being attended to by firefighters.

Evacuated families were allowed to return home, and road closures in the area, including those around Floats Road and Ledson Road, were lifted.

Locals React to the Unexpected Wake-Up Call

The fire caught many locals off guard, with some initially thinking they had heard gunshots or even an attack on Manchester Airport, just a few miles away.

A resident noted that the series of explosions were so intense, it left them wondering if they were witnessing an attack.

Update on the Scene and Road Closures

By 10:45 a.m., the fire was mostly extinguished, and the emergency response was scaled back.

Four fire engines remained on-site to ensure the remaining flames were fully dealt with.

Traffic in the area was also impacted, with major routes like Floats Road and Southmoor Road temporarily closed, but all roads have since reopened.

Final Update on the Situation

As of the latest update, the fire is almost fully out, thanks to the hard work of fire crews.

Residents evacuated due to the smoke have safely returned to their homes, and the roads in the area have been cleared for normal traffic.

The fire’s cause is still under investigation, but authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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