A camper van has reportedly exploded in the centre of Crewe, sending a plume of thick black smoke billowing into the sky and startling residents with a loud bang.
Eyewitnesses Describe 'Loud Bang' and Flames
The dramatic incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, 10 January 2026. Local reports indicate that the vehicle, described as a camper van, caught fire and exploded near the town's busy centre.
One eyewitness directly told reporters, "A van has exploded in Crewe. My brother is at the scene and can see the smoke." Another local resident provided more detail, stating, "There was a big bang and a camper van was on fire. I think it has been put out now."
Smoke Rises Over Alexandra Stadium
The significant column of smoke was clearly visible rising above the Alexandra Mornflake Stadium on Gresty Road. At the time, a football match was underway, with Crewe Alexandra taking on Harrogate Town.
The sight of the dark smoke against the afternoon sky caused considerable alarm in the area, with many people taking to social media to report the incident and share images.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene to deal with the blaze. Initial accounts suggest the fire was extinguished relatively quickly, though the cause of the explosion is not yet known.
No immediate reports of serious injuries have been confirmed in connection with the camper van explosion. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by vehicle fires and the rapid response of local emergency crews.
Authorities are likely to conduct an investigation into the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle catching fire and exploding in the heart of Crewe.