Traffic chaos hit south Essex yesterday following a massive warehouse fire.

Commuters were left frustrated as part of the busy A13 was closed to traffic.

More than 100 firefighters battled the fierce blaze which raged through the night at an industrial estate in Rainham.

Flames and a huge pall of smoke could be seen across parts of Essex and London.

Firefighters closed the New Road section of the A13 from Dagenham for much of the night.

The section was expected to remain closed for much of the day.

An AA spokesman said yesterday: "Anything from the M25 around junction 30 and 31 is severely congested while the section of the A13 that is open is absolutely solid."

Sgt Keiren Marwood of Romford police saidyesterday the area should be avoided throughout the day.

He said: "The area is heavily congested and all the local roads are also congested because they are being used as rat runs. It is best to avoid the area completely if possible.

"We cannot say when the A13 will be reopened."

Several explosions, believed to be from gas canisters, were reported from the transport yard where the fire started, and thick black smoke poured from a tyre business which had also been engulfed.

Flames from the blaze at the Freightmaster industrial estate, in Ferry Lane, Rainham, were visible for miles across London and Essex.

By 7.20am yesterday the fire had been brought under control, but a London Fire Brigade spokesman said crews would remain at the scene throughout most of the day.

Twenty fire engines were called to the blaze, at a two-storey riverside warehouse and office complex, after the alarm was raised just after midnight.

The Fire Brigade spokesman said there were no reports of injuries.

Battling the blaze - more than 100 firefighters fought the intense flames early yesterday morning

(Right) Deserted - the closed-off A13

Picture: ROB WELHAM

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