A shop worker has told of the shocking moment a van exploded just outside Westquay.
Leanne Proudley works in Argos just across the road from where the van exploded outside West Quay at around 9.30am this morning.
She says the explosion was so loud it shook the store.
Leanne said: "I work across from it in Argos, I saw the flames and alerted our manager and then the explosion happened. It shook our store it was so loud."
'It shook our store it was so loud'.
— Daily Echo (@dailyecho) March 19, 2025
This video from Leanne Proudley shows the van fire outside Westquay moments before it exploded
Follow live updates: https://t.co/iJrEiDakQ5 pic.twitter.com/VJZ93B2bhQ
See our live blog: Huge fireball as explosion seen near Westquay - live
A spokesperson for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge and Hightown are currently in attendance at a vehicle fire following reports of smoke and flames at the back of Westquay, Southampton at just after 9.30am this morning.
"People are asked to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident. Harbour Parade is closed in both directions."
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