Huge fire in Tiverton was an 'explosion' but cause still not known
Gas safety checks have been carried out but there was no evidence of a leak
It has been confirmed that a huge fire that broke out at Tiverton Business Park was an explosion.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Lowman Way on Sunday evening.
At its height around 80 firefighters were tackling the blaze and it is believed that six units have been affected by the flames.
Crews worked throughout the night and have still been damping down on Monday.
West & Wales Utilities were also called to the scene and say the cause of the explosion is still being investigated.
Gas safety checks were carried out but there is no evidence of a leak.
Steven Bakes, Wales & West Utilities Gas Emergency Service Manager for Tiverton, said:
“We were called to reports of an explosion at a business park in the Lowman Way area of Tiverton last night (2nd January) and immediately sent a team of engineers to the scene.
“When we arrived, we found that a number of buildings had been damaged and emergency services were in control of the area.
“We worked with the emergency services to make the area safe and carried out all necessary gas safety checks and found no evidence of a gas leak.
“The cause of the explosion is still being investigated by the emergency services, however, it’s not thought to be related to the mains gas network.
"If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe."