|PIC1|Salvation Army workers from its Hemel Hempstead branch have been aiding emergency services in responding to a series of major explosions at Buncefield fuel depot, which took place just after 6am on Sunday.

The huge explosions, recorded as the largest of their kind in peacetime Europe, shook the south of England and were registered as 2.4 on the Richter Scale.

More than 40 people were injured in the serious blasts and huge plumes of smoke are continuing to billow from the site. As Sunday night drew in, a huge black cloud could be seen drifting across over London as the gigantic toxic fumes, which could be seen from space, spread across the country.

Crews fighting the blazes have, by 3pm Monday, put out fires in 10 of about 20 fuel tanks that were affected. The fire service has reported that its operation to smother the fire with a foam blanket has entered a “critical phase”.

More than 2,000 people had to evacuate the area after the blasts damaged many homes and offices, shattering windows and destroying doors.

|PIC2|The emergency services made a request to accommodate 40 evacuees from a nearby hotel, and the Salvation Army, led by Jean Mealing, has aided in efforts by responding to each request. The Salvation Army hall on Waterhouse Street in Hemel Hempstead was opened as rest centre to which other residents were directed as Hertfordshire Police commenced an evacuation of the area nearest to the scene of the explosion.

The Salvation Army’s London-based emergency vehicle, which provides hot food and drinks and support to emergency crews remains on the scene, having been driven to the scene by Captain Karl Grey - a Salvation Army officer who had been first on the scene with the vehicle after the London bombings in July.

The fires are expected to take a number of days to extinguish, but the Salvation Army has already stated its commitment to help support police, fire crews and evacuees for as long as it is necessary.

Police officers - including anti-terrorist detectives - are investigating the disaster, but say there is "nothing to suggest" it was anything other than an accident.

Concerned relatives can call a police casualty bureau on 0800 096 0095.