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A loud explosion was heard as a major blaze broke out at a supermarket in Birmingham, with a witness claiming it was started by a car set alight and rammed into the shop.
Firefighters were called to the blaze in Sparkhill in the early hours of Monday. The incident saw the fire spread from the front of a retail store to shop signage and the bay windows of flats above.
Images show a damaged white car at the scene, which has been cordoned off by firefighters and police vehicles for the public’s safety and an investigation.
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Local property developer Isaac Zintaan said he had been alerted to the fire after residents of his nearby premises told him they had heard a “loud explosion” which sounded “like a bomb went off”.
“(When I arrived) everyone was coughing due to the intensity of the smoke,” the 28-year-old said, adding that it appeared a car had rammed into the supermarket on the ground floor.
No casualties have been reported by the fire service, which said five people had left their properties and been checked by paramedics.
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Fire investigators are working with crews at the scene to ascertain the full circumstances of the fire.
West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement: “Shortly before 4.55am on Monday (23 December), we responded to Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham.
“This was a fire at the front of a retail shop, which spread to shop signage and the bay windows of flats above the shop. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the shop and flats to search for casualties.
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“Five people from the flats had left their properties and received checks from attending paramedics. There were no casualties or injuries and everyone has been accounted for.
“Firefighters have made good progress at the scene and the fire is under control. The hydraulic aerial platform remains in use as crews work to prevent fire spread. Two fire engines remain at the scene.
“Police colleagues are in attendance. Stratford Road is closed in both directions from Formans Road to Nansen Road.
“Fire Investigators are at the scene, working with crews.”
