On March 19, 2025, a huge fireball explosion was reported just outside the Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton, causing a swift evacuation of the area and leaving many witnesses in shock.
The incident occurred shortly before 9:45 AM when a van, confirmed to belong to the line marking company Acculine, erupted into flames on Harbour Parade, near the Podium car park. Eyewitnesses reported a loud bang, followed by thick clouds of black smoke rising into the sky, which could be seen from various parts of the city.
Emily Robinson, who was on her way to work at the time, recounted her experience: “It is a big pillar of smoke. It looks like quite a large fire. There seemed to be at one point a big bang. That could have come from the fire.” Her account was echoed by other witnesses; Mike Fellows noted that, “There was a loud bang followed by a lot of dark smoke rising from behind the car park area, I'm uncertain of what area but it appears to be between West Quay and Ikea.”
As the scene unfolded, scores of emergency services, including vehicles from St Mary’s, Redbridge, and Hightown, rushed to tackle the blaze. Within minutes, firefighters arrived, managing to control the fire quickly. However, the ongoing smoke in the area necessitated a continued presence on site as they worked to clear up remnants of the incident. A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that they expected to maintain a presence at the site for some time while the investigation and cleanup were ongoing.
In an urgent message, people were advised to avoid the area as Harbour Parade was closed in both directions. The situation prompted Westquay management to evacuate staff and customers from the shopping centre, leaving many waiting outside without a clear timeline for when they could return.
The company's spokesperson, confirming the incident, stated, “Nothing has been confirmed. There haven't been any injuries; everybody is safe.” It was further noted that a gas canister might have contributed to the explosion, although the investigation remains in progress.
Witness accounts varied, with delivery driver Sheikh Emad Uddin Billal sharing his perspective. He said, “I noticed a car on fire with a crowd of people watching - I stopped my motorcycle.” The diverse experiences underline a sense of surrealism felt by the passersby, who were astonished at the unexpected explosion.
As recovery efforts continued, onlookers gathered at a distance, capturing video footage of the blaze that quickly spread from the van, which had been parked outside the Westquay Shopping Centre. Footage showed flames enveloping the vehicle before the explosion sent waves of fire and smoke high into the air.
By midday, safety measures included ongoing closures and the presence of emergency vehicles that remained stationed outside Westquay. The shopping centre, which had been buzzing with customers just moments before the incident, now stood desolate, with a tense atmosphere overshadowing the usually vibrant venue.
The Southampton community has seen its fair share of emergencies recently, with this latest event triggering concern among residents familiar with similar incidents. As lockdown protocols were enacted, local media outlets reported live updates, keeping the public informed about the evolving situation.
While the cause of the explosion is still being thoroughly investigated, the shocked responses from witnesses provide insight into the abruptness and intensity of the event. The memories of a quiet morning shattered by that loud bang and the subsequent chaos will linger among those present at the scene.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and addressing the aftermath of the explosion while the investigation aims to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this alarming event.
