Fuel Tanker Fire Triggers School Evacuation
A fuel tanker fire on Marlborough Way in the Newdale area of Telford led to the evacuation of a nearby school on Tuesday just after midday. Flames erupted on the street, causing burning fuel to flow down the road.
West Mercia Police confirmed the incident occurred shortly after midday, prompting immediate safety measures. Newdale Primary School, located on the same road, evacuated its pupils to a nearby Morrisons supermarket where parents were able to collect their children. One pupil described the school's playground as being "engulfed in smoke" during the event.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to avoid the area and instructed those living nearby to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke inhalation.
Local resident Natasha Jones, who lives close to the scene, recounted her experience while at work.
"I obviously panicked because my son attends the school there and I live there,"
Jones was reassured by the school that the children were safe and returned home to find numerous fire engines present.
"All I smelt walking home was petrol,"
she added.
School's Handling of the Incident Praised
Jacob Hill, a parent of a pupil at Newdale Primary School, commended the school's response to the emergency.
"The whole playground had been engulfed in smoke,"
he said, noting that the school acted swiftly to move children to safety and collaborated with local businesses to provide shelter until parents arrived.
"The incident had been very frightening,"
Hill remarked, adding that many children were crying when parents came to collect them.
"The way that it has been handled by Newdale Primary School was absolutely exceptional."
Fire Service Response and Incident Details
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed nine vehicles to manage the fire.
Adam Tempest, the incident commander, described the scene upon arrival.
"When we arrived, burning fuel was running down the hill,"
he said.
"The crews did well in the initial stages to knock that back so we could then focus on the vehicle,"
Tempest explained that a "running fire" of this nature posed significant risk and potential for damage.
Some damage occurred to bushes near the road, and the road surface may require repairs. However, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes or the school.
Medical Assistance and Aftermath
West Midlands Ambulance Service reported that one man was assessed at the scene and subsequently transported to hospital for further treatment. No other individuals required medical attention.
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