Oil tanker blaze is not being treated as suspicious says PSNI as roads in that part of Lurgan remain closed
The PSNI is not treating a huge oil tanker fire as suspicious as the roads near the blaze in Lurgan remain closed.
Firefighters were tasked to the junction of the Tandragee Road and Pollock Drive this morning as an oil tanker went on fire.
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Meanwhile a care home near the fire is seeking to reassure families of loved ones their relatives are safe following the blaze close to their building.
Large plumes of smoke could be seen widely across the Lurgan area.
The area around Lurgan Hospital is affected and motorists are asked to avoid the area. It is also close to Aughnacloy House, a care home for mostly elderly patients.
There are no reports at this stage of anyone injured.
A spokesperson for the NI Fire and Rescue Service said it received a 999 call at 11.43am of a fire at Mourneview Avenue, Lurgan.
One Appliance from Lurgan Fire Station, two Appliances from Banbridge Fire Station, one Appliance from Portadown Fire Station attended the incident.
"Firefighters were called to reports of an oil tank on fire that spread to a property on Mourneview Avenue, Lurgan. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire. Firefighters left the scene at 3.25pm.”
The PSNI said: “Road users and members of the public are asked to avoid the Mourneview Avenue area of Lurgan, due to a report of an oil tanker on fire in the area.
"Diversions are in place, and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance.”
A spokesperson for MD Healthcare Ltd said: “We would like to reassure all families and loved ones that everyone at Aughnacloy House is safe and well following an oil tanker fire opposite the home.
"The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) have been in attendance and has the fire under control.
"All calls to the home's usual telephone number are being diverted to an emergency mobile phone.
"We kindly ask that families only contact the home if absolutely necessary, to allow our staff to focus on supporting our residents and managing the situation.
"There is no access to the home by car at present until the road reopens.
"We apologise for any inconvenience or concern this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.
"We will provide further updates as the situation develops and normal services are restored. Thank you for your understanding.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Mary O’Dowd has urged people to avoid the Tandragee Road area in Lurgan due to a fire currently being dealt with by the emergency services.
Cllr O’Dowd said: “I would appeal to everyone to stay away from the area and allow the fire service the space they need to deal with this incident.
"Please avoid the Tandragee Road until the fire service has finished dealing with the incident and it is safe to return.
"My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I sincerely hope everyone is okay.”