Fri. May 17th, 2024
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THE EFL are “closely monitoring” a huge fire next to St Mary’s as Southampton’s clash with Preston tonight looks to be in doubt.

The Saints are due to be in action on the South Coast this evening against Ryan Lowe’s side but a massive blaze has broke out near the ground.

A huge fire near to Southampton's home forced their stadium to be evacuated7

A huge fire near to Southampton’s home forced their stadium to be evacuatedCredit: Simon Jones
St Mary's stadium was left engulfed in smoke after a fire broke out

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St Mary’s stadium was left engulfed in smoke after a fire broke outCredit: Simon Jones
The blaze was at a factory on the industrial estate next to the stadium

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The blaze was at a factory on the industrial estate next to the stadiumCredit: Sun
Brave firefighters raced to the scene to battle the blaze after being alerted at 1:05pm

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Brave firefighters raced to the scene to battle the blaze after being alerted at 1:05pmCredit: Simon Jones

Southampton’s stadium had to be evacuated after a huge fire raged near it.

St Mary’s was covered in thick black cloud as flames engulfed a factory on an industrial estate next door.

And now their Championship clash against Preston could be postponed due to the incident.

Emergency services raced to the blaze and quickly set-up a cordon around the fire on Wednesday afternoon.

Dramatic video footage revealed how brave firefighters battled the flames with hoses as smoke rose high into the air.

An incredible fireball soared above St Mary’s and the surrounding area.

Then a loud speaker was heard telling staff to evacuate the 32,000-capacity stadium immediately.

A statement from the fire service at 1.50pm had earlier said: Crews are currently attending a fire in Marine Parade Southampton. The initial call came in at 1:05pm. 

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“The fire is affecting industrial units near St Mary’s football stadium.

“There are currently eight fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and other specialist vehicles in attendance.

Ipswich legend Tommy Miller believes Ipswich have the tools to make the Premier League and see off the challenge of Southampton and Leeds

“People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke.

“Some roads local to the incident are closed and people are advised to avoid the area to allow movements of emergency vehicles.”

A spokesperson for the service then said at 2:24pm: “Additional fire engines are now heading to the scene to make it up to 18.

“The fire is currently involves four industrial units.

“There is lots of smoke and people the area are reminded to keep doors and windows closed.”

The EFL then announced that they were “closely monitoring” the situation as the scheduled kick-off approached with firefighters still battling the blaze.

Thousands of spectators were due to attend the Championship match

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Thousands of spectators were due to attend the Championship matchCredit: Rex
Black smoke began engulfing the city just hours before the game was due to take place

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Black smoke began engulfing the city just hours before the game was due to take placeCredit: X
The fire brigade provided regular updates throughout the afternoon as they fought the blaze

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The fire brigade provided regular updates throughout the afternoon as they fought the blazeCredit: Simon Jones

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