Moment man stands on fringe of crane surrounded by thick black smoke

A man could be seen standing on the edge of a crane surrounded by thick black smoke as a fire raged on at a construction site in east London. 

Roughly 70 firefighters and ten fire engines raced to a construction site near Silvertown Way in Canning Town earlier this morning.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the ground level of the site, which consists of 10 floors, set alight and a 64m ladder was deployed. One person was then rescued using a 13.5 metre ladder. There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

Shocked onlookers posted a number of photos showing thick clouds of smoke billowing into the air.

In one image shared online, a person can be seen on the edge of a crane in the middle of the smoke.

Here is a look at the man who is stood on the edge of a crane right next to thick clouds of smoke

A fire has broken out on a construction site in Canning Town near Silvertown Way

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are attending the scene, the London Fire Brigade has confirmed

A social media user wrote on X: ‘I live in Hackney, a few miles away from Canning Town and I can smell the smoke from this site here.’ 

Another said: ‘Building on fire in Canning Town, London. Looks like a building under construction. Firemen are already on location.’

A third wrote on X: ‘Another on social media said: ‘Ominous scene this morning in Canning Town but police and firemen out in force, making us all feel safe. Looks like only the building sites are affected.’

A statement by the brigade said: ‘The fire produced a significant amount of smoke. People in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed as crews responded.

‘The Brigade received around 30 calls reporting the fire, with the first call taken at 0823. Crews had the incident under control by 0936. Firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham and surrounding fire stations are attended the scene.

‘The cause of the fire is under investigation.’

The LFB advised people to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible.

Newham London also revealed that the Rathbone Street slip from A13, Hallsville Road and Silvertown Way between A13 flyover and Hallsville junction are all currently closed.

It said in a statement on X: ‘The fire opposite Canning Town bus station is now under control but road closures will remain for several more hours while the London Fire Brigade continues to make the site safe. We will provide further updates as soon as we can but for now please continue to avoid the area.’

MailOnline has contacted the Met Police for comment. 

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