'It could have been a major disaster' - Residents worried as huge Wolverhampton blaze erupted near gas hub

Residents living near a building in Wolverhampton where a huge blaze erupted this morning were left fearful and worried due to the proximity of the blaze to a major gas hub.

Delroy Constantine Simms, who was staying with family who live near to fire scene, told the Express & Star the fire sounded like “fire works” and everyone was “worried”.

The blaze ripped through a building on Walsall Street after 5am this morning.

Mr Simms said residents were fearful as a major industrial gas hub is located nearby.

He told the Express & Star: “I was staying with family when I heard what sounded like fire works. Within minutes we could see the fire blazing.

“Our biggest fear is that it could have been a major disaster. This is because the BOC facility is nearby, a place where flammable gas is produced.

“For this reason we were evacuated, the staff at the nearby Novotel Hotel Wolverhampton allowed us to use the facilities until we were given the all clear to return.”

The BOC Gas & Gear firm is located on Lower Walsall Street, near the fire-ravaged building.

It is a major industrial and medical gas hub and has been a critical site for over 100 years, providing gases and specialised equipment to local manufacturers and the wider UK market.

A cordon is currently in place on Walsall Street.

A senior West Midlands Fire Service firefighter said the cordon was likely to be in place “for at least another hour” as work continues to make the factory unit safe.

A spokesperson from the fire service added: “We need to isolate the gas supply to the building before making it safe.

“The building houses a parts company.”