'Explosions' rock Newry as fire rages sending smoke billowing at busy junction
A major fire has broken out in Newry, Northern Ireland
A major fire has broken out in Newry, Northern Ireland. Explosions have been reported from the scene of the incident.
Video images show a column of thick black smoke rising from a building, as cars drive past.
The fire has engulfed a Formula Karting building in Greenbank, beside Pairc Esler.
Firefighters are at the scene of the blaze, trying to bring it under control. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) told the Express they were first alerted to the fire at 11.47am.
They said there are currently four pumps, two aerials with long ladders and a water tanker at the scene. There are no reports as yet of any casualties.
In a later statement, the NIFRS said: "NIFRS crews are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at an Industrial Unit in Greenback Industrial Estate, Newry.
"At present there are 6xFire Appliances and 48xpersonnel carrying out firefighting operations.
"We would advise members of the public to avoid the area where possible and nearby homeowners to keep their windows and doors closed."
Karen McKevitt, a former SDLP assembly member, told the BBC that the flames were "spreading quite quickly".
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She added: It's bellowing out quite a lot of black, thick smoke and I have been speaking to a few local businesses down in Greenbank who have evacuated their premises as a precautionary [measure] with their windows closed.
"It is a major fire in Newry and I just hope everybody is safe."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland have said they are not in attendance at this time.
