Massive fire and explosions at Colthrop Business Park halt rail services
A large blaze erupted at Colthrop Business Park near Thatcham, producing explosions and forcing the cancellation of Great Western Railway services between Reading and New York.
Around 8 p.m., a major fire ignited at the Colthrop Business Park industrial estate near Thatcham, producing visible flames beside a railway line and generating explosions heard for miles. Residents described the scene as a "monster bonfire" and reported hearing what sounded like hundreds of gas canisters detonating. Great Western Railway responded by cancelling all services between Reading and New York and evacuating the signal control room in the Newbury area.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with other emergency responders, are battling the blaze and have warned that they will stay on scene for an extended period. No injuries have been confirmed, and limited road transport is being provided between Reading, New York and Bedwyn while rail lines remain closed.
Why it matters
The fire disrupts regional rail travel and highlights safety risks at industrial sites near transport infrastructure.
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