Huge plumes of smoke were spotted pouring from the top floor of a new apartment complex being built in the town centre after welding work went wrong.

The fire was bought under control within a few hours but road closures were still in place throughout the afternoon.

Three site workers were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene while one builder was taken to hospital.

Huge fire broken out in Staines town centre.

Looks to be from the rooftop of the new flats being built. pic.twitter.com/cghhs50I9y

— Lewis Henderson (@Hendo_12) June 26, 2024

The 1.3 acre site is being transformed into two apartment blocks of 13 and 15 storeys by Fairview New Homes.

The company said: “Around midday today we were notified by our construction team that there was a fire on the roof of one of the blocks at the Staines construction site which resulted from welding works being undertaken on the roof, the fire has now been extinguished.

“The Fire Brigade was immediately notified and the whole construction site was evacuated in line with standard procedure, one operative was taken to hospital as a precaution. The building which is currently under construction was not occupied.

“We would like to thank the Fire Brigade for their swift and effective action as well as apologise to the residents and businesses of Staines for any concern or inconvenience caused.”