Fire at London recycling centre disrupts rail services

A major fire at a recycling centre in southeast London brought significant disruption to rail travel and prompted a large-scale emergency response on Monday evening. The blaze, which erupted shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Landmann Way in Bermondsey, sent thick black smoke billowing across the skyline, visible for miles and affecting the Rotherhithe and Canada Water areas.

Approximately 100 firefighters with 15 fire engines were deployed to tackle the inferno. Crews from stations including Deptford, Old Kent Road, and Greenwich responded to multiple emergency calls. The London Fire Brigade deployed two 32-metre turntable ladders to combat the flames from above. Officials urged the public to avoid the area and advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the significant amount of smoke.

The fire's proximity to a major railway line caused severe travel disruption during the evening rush hour. All rail lines were blocked between London Bridge and Dartford, according to a Thameslink spokesperson. Southeastern Rail reported no services to or from Charing Cross, delays at Cannon Street, and diversions of some services to London Victoria. The Windrush line also...