West Brom fans given travel warning as huge blaze erupts in London near Charlton Athletic stadium - Birmingham Live

West Bromwich Albion fans were issued a travel warning after a massive fire broke out in London, just under two miles from the Charlton Athletic stadium, where West Brom had played that evening. The Baggies suffered a 1-0 defeat at The Valley, thanks to a stoppage-time winner by Sonny Carey. However, the trouble didn’t stop on the pitch, as fans making their way back to the Black Country were warned about disruption caused by a large blaze in Greenwich, south-east London. The fire erupted at an industrial unit located on Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich, around 6:13pm on Tuesday evening—about an hour and a half before the match kicked off. The London Fire Brigade dispatched ten fire engines and roughly 70 firefighters to tackle the flames. Residents nearby were advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to thick plumes of smoke drifting from the burning building. This blaze led to road closures and traffic disruptions, with both Tunnel Avenue and Blackwall Lane shut off. The Blackwall Tunnel northbound was particularly affected, causing delays for drivers and public transport users alike. A 32-metre turntable ladder was deployed by the fire crews to assist in controlling the fire. Firefighters from East Greenwich, Greenwich, Deptford, Poplar, and neighboring stations worked together at the scene in an intense firefighting effort. Local authorities expanded the safety cordon around the area at approximately 8:45pm, also diverting bus routes 108, SL4, and 188 due to the ongoing emergency. The affected site was identified as Vetraland timber merchants on Blackwall Lane in Greenwich. Local councillor Aidan Smith took to social media to warn the public to avoid the area, highlighting the extent of the incident and its impact on local transport. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage, and investigations are likely to continue. Meanwhile, about 17,147 people attended the match at The Valley, including several hundred West Brom fans who had travelled to support their team. As they left the stadium, many faced significant travel difficulties due to the blaze and the related road closures. Overall, the combination of the late match result and the travel chaos caused by the fire made for a difficult evening for West Brom supporters. Emergency services continue to work to contain the fire, while residents and travelers are advised to stay clear of the affected area until the situation is fully resolved.