https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23829165.oxford-explosion-lightning-strike-seen-a34/

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Oxford Mail

'Explosion' reported after 'fire at waste plant'

  

Oxfordshire 'explosion' as lightning strike seen from A34

 
Emergency
[16291071]
By Ben Hardy @bahardy45 Digital Audience and Content Editor
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People living in and around Oxford have been left startled after
seeing what has been described as "an explosion". 

Householders and motorists have shared videos of the sky being lit up
on Monday evening from around 7pm.

One eyewitness said: "Saw this strange pulsing sky out of our windows
looking north west of Oxford. I'm guessing it's a fire caused by the
lightning storm that passed over." 

READ MORE: Live updates as reports of explosion near Oxford

A statement from Severn Trent Green Power released just after 8.30pm
on Monday confirmed a digester truck had been struck by lightning
around 7.20pm.

This took place at the Cassington AD Facility near Yarnton.

The statement said: "We can confirm that at around 7.20pm this
evening, a digester tank at its Cassington AD facility near Yarnton,
Oxfordshire, was struck by lightning resulting in the biogas within
that tank igniting. 

"We are working with the emergency services to secure the site and
will provide further comments in due course."

Thames Valley Police has confirmed officers are at the scene. 

A statement said: "Our officers are currently at the scene of a fire
at a waste plant near Yarnton, Oxfordshire.

"It is believed that lightning struck gas containers at the site
during bad weather this evening, causing a large fire."

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the incident
at 7.17pm.

Six fire engines, 40 fire and rescue personnel attended as well as an
aerial appliance and water tanker. 

Fire and rescue operations are ongoing and a spokesman for the
service said there would be no further updates this evening. 

It comes as rain has been falling throughout the evening accompanied
by lightning strikes. 

    Explosion North-West of Oxford. pic.twitter.com/d7ypIdvs2m

    -- Knocker (@Knocker) October 2, 2023

Another eyewitness said: "I don't know what it was but it was
massive. There were lots of fire brigade and police cars minutes
later going through A40." 

The sky lit up in Oxford on Monday evening (Image: Katty D @KattyD85)
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms
in Oxford this evening. 

One householder Katty, whose surname has not been disclosed, said:
"The lights all flickered in the house and the sky lit up."

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police
have been contacted for comment. 

Emergency
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