A major fire tore through a recycling plant in Bermondsey on Monday afternoon, sending a vast plume of thick black smoke across London and causing significant disruption to rail services.
Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters were deployed to the site on Landmann Way, after London Fire Brigade control officers began receiving multiple emergency calls at around 5.30pm. Crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding stations were sent to tackle the flames, with two 32‑metre turntable ladders used to fight the fire from above.
Witnesses reported seeing towering smoke visible for miles, including from Canary Wharf and across the London skyline. Some commuters described frightening scenes as trains passed the area, with one reporting that their carriage “filled with smoke” as passengers screamed.
Rail services through London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street were severely disrupted, with delays, diversions and cancellations as trains were rerouted away from the affected stretch of track. Southeastern advised passengers to delay travel where possible.
The London Fire Brigade urged people living nearby to keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke drifting across the area.
Firefighters remain on scene this evening as they work to bring the blaze under control. There are no immediate reports of injuries, and the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
An eyewitness said "
The smoke cloud was so massive I initially thought it may have been a plane crash over at City Airport".
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