Huge shop explosion sees fireball erupt as firefighters take cover from blaze

08 March 2024 , 10:32

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Huge shop explosion sees fireball erupt as firefighters take cover from blaze

A huge shop explosion has seen a fireball burst out of a burning storefront as firefighters were seen rushing to take cover.

Emergency services, including fire and police, are currently at the scene of the blaze at Cordners shoe shop at Conway Square in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. 48 firefighters are currently in attendance along with seven pumping appliances, one aerial appliance and a command support unit. Road closures are in place.

A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “NIFRS are currently dealing with a fire in Cordners Footware, Conway Square, Newtownards. NIFRS have been in attendance since 06:32 hours on Friday 8 March 2024.

"On arrival, the fire was well developed and the focus of operations is to extinguish the fire and prevent fire spread to neighbouring properties. There are currently 48 firefighters in attendance along with 7 pumping appliances, 1 aerial appliance and a command support unit. Operations will continue for some time and road closures are in place for public safety.”

The scene of a fire at Cordners shoe shop at Conway Square, in Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Police Ards & North Down said: "There are currently a number of road closures in place to allow us to safely deal with this matter and these affect the majority of the town centre. These closures are likely to be in place for a number of hours as fire service make the area safe."

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Local councillor Vicky Moore wrote on X: "Devastating news in my much loved home town this morning. Hoping the impact is as contained as we'd wish. Huge thanks to @PSNIArdsNDown and local @NIFRSOFFICIAL for their assistance to local businesses affected."

Ryan Merrifield