Two sent to hospital after Sheerness Docks fire
Flames are seen at the
site of the Sheerness warehouse blaze. Picture: @kent_999s
Fifty firefighters from across the county have
been tackling a huge blaze at Sheerness Docks.
Thick black smoke could be seen from the high street and as
far as Iwade earlier, but it has now subsided.
Police were also called to the fire, which broke out at about
11.30am today.
The blaze started in a warehouse within the port, which is 100m
by 200m and in berth two.
Six fire engines are supported by two height vehicles
and specialist units as well as two tug boats fighting it from
the water.
A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "It is
believed the warehouse may contain cylinders."
_l.JPG "Smoke from Sheerness Docks")
Plumes of smoke billow
out over Sheerness Docks
One witness said earlier: "It looks like a huge black thunder
cloud. "The plume of smoke is unbelievable."
Reporting from the scene, a Times Guardian reporter said crowds
of people had flocked to the area trying to get a better view of
the drama.
He said: "There was a number of people walking down Blue Town
High Street with their phones trying to film what was going on.
"People had also gathered by the old dockyard wall off West
Street where you could get a decent look at the smoke.
_m.PNG "Smoke from a fire at the docks is descending over Sheerness")
"Motorists
coming down Brielle Way were also trying to snatch a glimpse at
what was happening.
"The plume turned from an acrid black to a clearer grey and then
white while I was there.
"I guess that was as the blaze was being tackled by the fire
crews who had come from across the area."
South East Coast Ambulance Service also sent a crew.
They were stood down but have since been called back and are
treating five men for smoke inhalation.
Paramedics assessed and treated the men at the scene and two are
being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for further treatment.
All of the patients are reported as being conscious and
breathing.
It is not clear yet if they are docks workers or members of the
emergency services.
An ambulance, a car and a team from its hazardous response unit
were sent there.
Fire crews rush to the scene of the
blaze
14/01/13
- Click here for more Sheerness news...
- Click here for more news from across the county...