INVESTIGATORS say a huge explosion that destroyed a fireworks shop and left smoke across Southampton was an accident.
More than 70 firefighters from across Hampshire were called out to the massive blaze at the Southern Fireworks Factory in Bitterne Road West and all buildings within 100 metres were evacuated.
Two schools were closed nearby and residents in the area were told to keep their windows and doors closed by South Central Ambulance Service.
A probe into the fire has discovered that it was accidental but an investigation continues to determine the exact cause.
The alarm was raised at about 5am on Friday, May 13, and resident Richard Yates saw the action unfold.
He said: “He said: "As soon as I saw the smoke I knew i knew it was the fireworks factory.
"I got here and there were flames about 20ft high, I watched it fall apart."
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