Services in the area have been suspended after an explosion at London's Parsons Green station. (Reuters)
Highlights
- Explosion reported at Parsons Green station in west London
- Fire department, British Transport Police, Scotland Yard at the spot
- Images showed a burning bucket stashed in a carrier bag
A number of passengers on a London Underground train were injured and some reported being "badly burned" after
an explosion caused a "fireball" in a terror attack during the morning rush hour in the city. The Metropolitan Police have called it an "act of terror", which makes it the fourth attack this year in London. The police said an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used.
London Ambulance Service tweeted that 18 people have been taken to a number of hospitals in the city. "We have taken 18 patients to a number of London hospitals. None are thought to be in a serious or life-threatening condition #ParsonsGreen," the tweet said.
The explosion took place inside a plastic bucket left in a supermarket bag on a District Line train when it was at the Parsons Green station in west London.
Witnesses reported seeing passengers who had suffered facial burns and had hair coming off, with at least two women seen being treated by medics amid scenes of panic. On social media, people shared that there was "mass screaming, shouting, stampede and running".
A burning white bucket stashed in a Lidl carrier bag at Parsons Green Station. (AFP)
"Explosion on Parsons Green District Line train. Fireball flew down carriage and we just jumped out open door," said Twitter user @Rrigs.
Images from the train showed a burning bucket after the blast which was reported to have sent a "fireball" down the carriage. The bucket looked like the type used by builders and there appeared to be cables coming out of it.
People were seen in tears and some appeared to be in shock as they were led away by policemen.
The fire brigade, British Transport Police and the Scotland Yard are at Parsons Green station. (Reuters)
Tubes in the section have been suspended and passengers have been removed from nearby trains through back exits. Apart from the District Line, the central and Victoria Lines have also been affected. Services between Earls Court and Wimbledon have been suspended, the police said. The transport department tweeted that "London Buses, South Western and London Overground accepting tickets via any reasonable route".
The fire department, the British Transport police and the Scotland Yard have taken over the area and cordoned it off. The police advised people to stay away.
"We have a number of resources and specialists officers in attendance at the incident at#ParsonsGreen tube station," tweeted the Fire brigade.
Many commuters were in shock and tears after the explosion at Parsons Green station. (Reuters)
Reports said a loud explosion was heard and "people were left with cuts and grazes from trying to flee the scene".
One man was quoted as saying he had seen a passenger covered in blood.
This year, Britain has already suffered three terror attacks, in which 36 people have been killed.