SCORES of workers had to be evacuated from an industrial estate in Southall following a gas cylinder explosion alert.
The fire brigade evacuated all buildings within a 200metre radius of a unit in the Great Western Industrial Park on Windmill Lane, Southall, yesterday afternoon.
Roads were cordoned off by the police and brigade just after midday and Southall Railway station was also closed to traffic and passengers as fire-fighters attempted to deal with the gas cylinder which becomes potentially explosive when exposed to heat.
Ealing Fire Brigade watch manager Pete Elliott, said: "The incident is still under investigation.
"Fire crews worked tirelessly to bring the incident under control and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts which minimised the danger to people and property."
The cylinders have to be cooled down for a period of 24 hours and fire crews remain at the site.
Around 30 fire fighters were called to the estate and a police spokesman, said: "Police were called by the London Fire Brigade at 12.18pm to reports of a fire at Great Western Industrial Estate.
"There were no reports of injuries and the incident is not being treated as suspicious."
Were you there? Did you see anything? Contact the Gazette team by email or call Paloma on 07909 532430.
