A major fire broke out at Foodworld supermarket on Stratford Road in Sparkhill, Birmingham, in the early hours of Monday morning.
Multiple fire crews were called to the scene at 4.55am to tackle what West Midlands Fire Service described as a “significant fire” at the mixed commercial and residential premises.
The blaze led to the closure of Stratford Road in both directions, with thick black smoke billowing from the property.
West Midlands Fire Service posted on social media: “We have multiple crews in attendance at a fire on Stratford Road, Sparkhill involving a significant fire at a mixed commercial and residential premises. Please avoid the area, where possible.”
Police at the scene in Birmingham
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Eyewitnesses said a car rammed into the supermarket
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One eyewitness said it was like a ‘bomb had gone off’
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According to a witness, the fire appears to have been caused by a car being rammed into the supermarket.
Local property developer Isaac Zintaan, 28, said residents at his nearby premises alerted him after hearing what they described as a “loud explosion like a bomb went off.”
“Everyone was coughing due to the intensity of the smoke,” Zintaan told reporters.
Footage taken by the witness showed a Land Rover on fire with its rear facing the property, suggesting it had reversed into the building.
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Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the evening
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Damage to property following a fire at a mixed commercial and residential premises on Stratford Road in Sparkhill, Birmingham
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A burnt out car at the scene of a fire at a mixed commercial and residential premises on Stratford Road in Sparkhill
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The vehicle was seen ablaze next to the store, with fierce flames visible from the scene.
Five people from flats above the shop were evacuated and received checks from attending paramedics.
No casualties or injuries were reported, and all residents have been accounted for.
The scale of the emergency response was significant, with ten fire engines, two 4×4 brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial platform deployed to the scene.
Fire Investigators are currently at the scene working with crews to determine the cause of the blaze
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Emergency services working at the scene
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Stratford Road remains closed in both directions from Formans Road to Nansen Road, with police in attendance.Local bus services, including NX West Midlands routes, have been diverted via Showell Green Lane, Yardley Wood Road, Wake Green Road and College Road.
Fire Investigators are currently at the scene working with crews to determine the cause of the blaze.