A fire is still alight at Shanks waste recycling plant in Creek Way, Rainham, around seven hours after it first begun. Picture courtesy of James Green. (Image: Archant)
A huge blaze at a recyling plant on Creek Way in Rainham is still being tackled by 12 fire engines and more than 80 firefighters.
Around 100 tonnes of household waste – the equivalent of 40 white rhinoceros – is alight.
One firefighter who was called to the scene said he believed the fire had started on a conveyor belt, spreading to waste waiting to be recycled.
He said the building then caught alight before a crane collapsed into it.
Eight workers left the plant before the brigade arrived. No one was injured.
The brigade was called just before 9.30am.
Fire crews from Wennington, Dagenham, Barking, East Ham, Stratford and Romford fire stations were initially sent to the scene.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here