A sudden explosion ripped through a car park near Wimbledon station this morning, sending shockwaves through the bustling south London area. The incident, occurring around 10 am, left a man in his 60s injured and prompted the immediate evacuation of a nearby shopping centre.
The blast originated within a van, which somehow collided with the roof of the car park on Queens Road. The impact triggered an explosion of the vehicle’s contents, leaving the driver suffering from burns. Emergency services were swiftly on the scene, responding to the chaotic aftermath.
Approximately one hundred people were safely evacuated from the Wimbledon Quarter shopping centre as a precautionary measure, according to the fire brigade. Witnesses described a scene of confusion and concern as the area was cordoned off and investigations began.
Initial reports indicate the cause of the explosion remains unclear, but authorities have confirmed it is not currently being treated as a terror-related incident. This reassurance came as investigators began piecing together the events leading up to the blast.
Images circulating online reveal a severely damaged grey van within the car park. The rear doors were blown completely open, and scattered debris – including fragments of a taillight and a small candle lighter – littered the area. Remarkably, there was no visible fire damage to the van or its surroundings.
Despite the disruption, both Wimbledon Underground station and railway services continued to operate normally. However, Queens Road remains closed in both directions, impacting traffic flow between Princes Road and The Broadway.
Bus route 200, serving areas from Hounslow to Mitcham, has been diverted due to the road closure. Passengers are advised to expect delays and plan alternative routes. Transport for London has implemented a detour via Alexandra Road, Gap Road, and Haydons Road.
Paramedics, including the specialized Hazardous Area Response Team, were dispatched to the scene to assess and treat any potential environmental risks. They provided immediate care to the injured driver before transporting him to the hospital as a priority case.
Police responded to the reports of the explosion at 10:10 am, working alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. Their investigation is focused on determining exactly what caused the contents of the van to detonate upon impact.
The incident has brought a sense of unease to the normally vibrant Wimbledon area, but authorities are working diligently to understand the circumstances and ensure the safety of the public. The focus remains on supporting the injured man and restoring normalcy to the community.
