Blasts felt through London

2005-12-11 09:25

London - Witnesses reported a large explosion Sunday close to a fuel depot near London.

Residents in Hemel Hempstead, which is also close to Luton Airport, north of London, reported a loud boom and some felt their houses shake at around 06:00. The blast was so large it was felt throughout a large part of London and the surrounding area.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties and no further details were immediately available.

"There was a loud boom and the house shook violently," said Duncan Milligan, of Hemel Hempstead, who said the blast woke him up.

"I am about three miles from where the explosion took place but I can see flames high in the sky and smoke billowing everywhere.

"There is clearly a building on fire near the motorway and police and emergency services are everywhere."

Sky News reported that the scene of the explosion was Buncefield oil terminal in Leverstock Green, near Hemel Hempstead.

Hertfordshire Police had no immediate comment.

- AP