Leamington Spa fire – ‘Apocalyptic’ blaze visible from space at burning plastic factory as cops hunt missing employee

 POLICE are still hunting for a missing employee after an "apocalyptic" blaze visible from space erupted at a plastic factory.

Toxic plastic rained down on Leamington Spa as choking black ash turned the sky black during the inferno at Leeson Polyurethenes Ltd.

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'It was like a loud pop' said one resident of the chemical factory blast in Leamington Spa

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Satellite pics show the plumes above the 'apocalyptic' scene in Leamington SpaCredit: University of Reading

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Large chunks of black debris of ash and suspected plastic foam have been spewed across nearby Tachbrook Park RoadCredit: Ryan Underwood

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Firefighters were met by a wall of fire at the factoryCredit: SWNS

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Experts and health bosses have warned neighbours to close windowsCredit: SWNS

One employee is still missing today with fire crews currently battling to extinguish the flames.

Residents are now being urged not to touch or remove any of the debris that has littered streets in the area.

Public Health England has also issued a warning after some locals claimed the "chemical smells" made them vomit.

Supt Mike Smith, of Warwickshire Police, said the missing person "works at the premises that caught fire".

He added: "We do not know at this moment in time what has happened to that person.

“We know who that person is. We are working with the family of that person and they are being supported by specialist officers.”The officer confirmed that everyone else from the lab was "currently accounted for".

Homes within 100m of the factory and the Rosalind Franklin Covid "mega-testing" lab next door had to be evacuated.

Some locals said it was like "like bombs going off" when the blaze erupted.

Images show chunks of charred polyurethene littering residential streets after a giant black plume of smoke and ash was reportedly seen from 45 miles away.

Meanwhile locals reported "strong chemical-like smells" which made them sick as experts warned the fire could create toxic gases including cyanide.

And shocking satellite photos show how the weather made it worse by trapping the toxic plume above the stricken market town.

Reading University, which shared the pics, said: "Smoke from the Leamington Spa fire can be seen from space thanks to dry and still weather conditions in the UK.

"The black plume of smoke, many miles long, can be seen travelling south-west on this [satellite] image."

'CYANIDE GAS'

Tony Ennis, director of Haztech Consultants, warned: "Polyurethane fires can generate cyanide gas as a by-product of combustion plus carbon monoxide (also toxic) and a number of other potentially toxic substances.

“The combination of toxins in the smoke plume may cause distress, particularly to anyone who has existing lung or breathing complaints.

“The best advice is to stay indoors and close all doors and windows securely until the smoke abates. This will minimise exposure to the toxins in the plume.”

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The blaze broke out next to a major Covid testing lab

Chief fire office Barnaby Briggs said the cause of the fire was still being investigated.

There were reports of several explosions and people vomiting in the street after being choked by the toxic fumes spewing out of the industrial estate blaze.

One witness said it was like a scene from "a disaster movie. Apocalyptic stuff".

Stephen Morris, 48, who lives in the town, said: "I've never seen anything like it in my life.

"We were in the garden earlier and heard what sounded like a bomb go off.

"It was like a loud pop. The next thing you know, there's a massive cloud of black smoke rising into the sky, it was like something from that film Independence Day.

"It's just lingering over the entire town now and I've never known so much police and fire activity here, they must have sent every appliance they have to it."

What looked like barrels were flying up into the air - a good four or five.

Carl Roberts, Resident

Carl Roberts told Coventry Live: “I thought it was going to be a big fire, but within minutes it was really bad.

“I was looking out of the back door - that’s when the first explosion went and we decided to leave ourselves.

“What looked like barrels were flying up into the air - a good four or five.”

Another resident Jan Butler, 52, added: "Smoke has just engulfed everything, people are having to leave their homes, it's crazy really.

"I've stayed well away but I have friends nearer who say there's been a strong chemical-like smell coming from it as well."

Mum-of-one Terri Fitzgerald, 31, said: "It has been quite frightening to be honest and to hear somebody is missing is just horrible.

"It was like a volcano going off, the smell and the smoke has been choking people.

"Bits of plastic have been falling from the sky. We're just staying put until its all over."

It was like something from the film Independence Day

Stephen Morris, Resident

Public Health West Mids advised: "People in areas affected by smoke from the fire should stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed and check the local radio for advice.

"Motorists should keep their windows closed, turn on air con and keep air vents closed.

"Substances in smoke can worsen health problems like asthma and heart conditions, so people should carry their medication if near the fire in Leamington Spa.

"Smoke can irritate airways, skin and eyes and cause coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Get medical advice if affected."

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Aerial photos of a huge blaze in Leamington Spa show a scene of devastationCredit: Facebook / jacek pichor

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The fire broke out yards from a major Covid testing lab

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Fire crews worked hard to battle the devastating blazeCredit: SWNS

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The inferno continues to burn as locals are rushed indoorsCredit: PA

A cloud of toxic smoke has covered the town, turning the skies dark