Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to combat a significant blaze that caused a section of an old school building to collapse.
The incident unfolded at Parkway Middle School in Haverhill, with emergency crews responding since 8:20 pm on Tuesday, May 12. Over 60 distress calls were received from concerned citizens as a large cloud of black smoke billowed above the town, visible for miles around.
Initially, nine fire teams from various locations rushed to the scene, including Woodbridge, Orford, Haverhill, Wickhambrook, and Bury St Edmunds. By 9:35 pm, three more fire engines were summoned to aid in controlling the fire, according to the East Anglian Daily Times.
As the firefighting operation continued overnight, residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed while avoiding the vicinity. Around midnight, reports confirmed a substantial joint effort at the abandoned school site, where a section of the structure succumbed to the flames.
Despite warnings to stay clear of the area, not everyone adhered to the caution. Michelle Chambers expressed astonishment at the number of individuals who gathered to witness the event, highlighting concerns about potential health risks from the smoke.
In an update after 6 am the following morning, the fire service announced that the fire was being brought under control, with four fire engines present at the location.