A stadium in SOUTHAMPTON has been evacuated after a huge fire raged on its doorstep.
St Mary’s was shrouded in thick black cloud as flames blazed through a factory in a neighboring industrial estate forcing the Saints’ clash with Preston to be abandoned tonight.
11
Southampton St Mary’s Stadium was engulfed in smoke after a fire broke out
11
The fire broke out in an abandoned factory next to the arena
11
Southampton’s home clash against Preston in the Championship tonight has been abandoned as a result
11
The club announced the postponement on social mediaCredit: Simon Jones
11
An emergency cordon has been put in place around St Mary’sCredit: Simon Jones
11
The fire broke out in an industrial estate near St Mary’s
It came just hours before tonight’s crucial Championship clash against Preston, and Southampton’s official X account announced that the match had been called off.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Wednesday afternoon before setting up a cordon and closing neighboring roads.
Dramatic video captured the moment brave firefighters battled the flames with hoses as smoke billowed into the air.
An incredible ball of fire soared over St Mary’s and the surrounding area, leaving locals stunned.
A loudspeaker was heard telling staff to evacuate the 32,000-capacity stadium immediately, while nearby residents were advised to close all windows.
The affected factory is reportedly owned by Southampton and is currently unused.
As the BBC reports, “shots” were heard from inside.
The fire caused the roof to collapse, while all the windows were also blown out.
The factory is located in Melbourne Street and opposite St Mary’s South Stand.
A Fire and Rescue Service incident report said: “Crews are currently monitoring a fire in Marine Parade Southampton.
“The first call came at 1:05 p.m. Fire engulfs industrial units near St Mary’s football stadium.
Fans in disbelief at Nathan Jones interview as ex-Southampton manager makes bold claim on Sky Sports
11
The fire broke out in an industrial zone
11
The abandoned factory is owned by Southampton
11
Smoke could be seen for miles
11
Multiple fire engines were on scene to battle the blaze Credit: Simon Jones
11
Southampton are currently fourth in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
“There are currently 8 fire trucks, 2 truck cranes and other specialized vehicles available.
“We advise people in the area to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke.
“Some roads in the vicinity of the incident have been closed and people are being advised to avoid the area to allow for the movement of emergency vehicles.”
It was later revealed that three of the four industrial units next to St Mary’s were destroyed in the fire.
The fire comes just hours before Southampton’s home clash against Preston.
The Saints are desperate for a win after falling eight points short of automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
But they will now have to wait for a rescheduled date for the game later in the season.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education