A1202 Leman Street closed as fire crews tackle gas cylinder blaze in van

Friday, February 17, 2012
4:58 PM

The busy A1202 Leman Street at Whitechapel in east London has been closed because of the danger of explosion after a transit van carrying a propane gas cylinder caught fire.

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Fire crews are at the scene at the moment near the junction with Alie Street.

An ambulance has also arrived for a man overcome by smoke who is being treated at the scene.

Two crews from nearby Whitechapel fire-station are involved and a Fire Brigade aerial ladder has also had to be brought in from Old Kent Road in south London.

A Fire Brigade spokesman told the Docklands & East London Advertiser a few minutes ago: “A temporary safety cordon has been set up as gas cylinders can explode when close to heat. The van is totally ablaze.”

Rush-hour traffic is affected between Aldgate, the City and Tower Hill, drivers are warned.