Oxford explosion updates — Footage shows huge fireball erupt in Oxfordshire after ‘gas containers struck by lightning’
VIDEO shows a huge explosion lighting up the sky near Oxford tonight.
Terrified social media users took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share footage of huge flames erupting northwest of Oxfordshire after a loud bang.
Some members of the public reported experiencing a momentary loss of power shortly after the explosion.
Power company Severn Trent Green Power released a statement explaining that a lightning strike hit one of the food waste recycling plant’s tanks and lit it on fire.
Thames Valley confirmed that "it is believed that lightning struck gas containers at the site during bad weather" causing the issue. Police added that there are no injuries caused by the incident.
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Details on explosion aftermath
After the explosion, six fire engines, 40 firefights, and at least four ambulances accompanied police to Severn Trent Green Power plant.
reports that Oxfordshire County Council said that fire crews fought the flames with an aerial appliance and water tank.
Emergency services rushed to the scene
Emergency services were seen rushing to the scene of the explosion near Yarnton, according to reports by public citizens.
Many homes were reportedly left without power momentarily following the incident.
Road closed due to explosion
Thames Valley Police shared that officers are still at the scene of the explosion, despite no injuries.
"As a result of this, A40 has been closed between Wolvercote and Eynsham," the statement shared.
'Stay home'
Thames Valley Police asks the public to remain home as officers sort out the scene at Severn Trent Green Power plant.
"To ensure public safety, residents are asked to stay home, shut windows and doors and not to attend the scene."
Orange glow pictured
Oxford residents reported the sky glowing after the explosion, while some specifically mentioned an "orange glow."
Citizens took to social media to share pictures of the lit up sky following the incident.
Social media users uploaded pictures of the curious orange glowCredit: Twitter/Stuartbigbro2 No known injuries
Thames Valley Police have posted an update to X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing that officers are currently at the scene of the 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," the says, confirming Severn Trent Green Power's statement.
Police added: "No one is believed to have been hurt, but emergency services remain at the scene."
Cause of explosion revealed
Power company Severn Trent Green Power has released a statement explaining that a lightning strike hit one of the company's tanks and lit it on fire.
"Severn Trent Green Power can confirm that at around 19:20 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," the statement revealed.
"We are working with the emergency services to secure the site and will provide further comments in due course"
Stormy weather starts today
The UK will reportedly face a week of storms bringing rain and lightning to certain areas, which could explain the explosion in part.
The Met Office said: "Thunderstorms with frequent lightning have already affected parts of the warning area, these continuing into the evening in places.
"An increasing risk of longer-lasting intense downpours too, especially later this evening and further east across the warning area, for example towards south Lincolnshire and East Anglia."
Oxfordshire, where the explosion occurred, is currently under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.
Explosion remains a mystery
It is currently unknown what caused the mystery bang.
However, some citizens are reporting that the explosion might have been caused by lightning strikes as thunderstorms are passing the area.
Locals saw 'glowing sky'
Concerned citizens are taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share what they saw during the explosion.
Some lost power
Some terrified members of the public reported they experienced a momentary loss of power shortly after the explosion.
The outage reportedly lasted for just a few minutes.
Explosion pictured
The huge explosion saw flames billowing into the sky after nearby residents heard a "loud bang."
The incident is said to have taken place north west of Oxford.
The explosion took place in Oxfordshire Sky 'pulsating' in bizarre video
One concerned citizen managed to grab footage of the "strange" event and noted that the "sky was pulsating".
Other users online also agreed that the sky was "glowing for two minutes" before suddenly disappearing.
Concerned citizens took to social media
A number of concerned citizens took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their concerns about the shock phenomenon.
One shocking video showed the night sky illuminated by a massive ball of flames.
The fire then billowed into the night, leaving locals stunned.
While another wrote: "Anybody else in Oxford see that fireball??
"Loud explosion and then the sky just did this, keep in mind it's supposed to be dark."
Mystery 'fireball' erupts in Oxford sky
Residents in Oxford were left shocked after a mystery fireball erupted in the sky after a massive bang.
Numerous locals in the city have been reporting about the "fireball" with the sky "pulsating with flames and smoke" this evening.
