Shocking aftermath of lightning strike gas explosion

Shocking images show the aftermath of a huge explosion caused by a lightning strike on a gas tank at a recycling centre.

The 'bomb-like' blast yesterday evening (2/10) at Trent Green Power plant in Oxfordshire was seen for miles after a colossal fireball lit up the night sky.

Residents of Oxford reported hearing two explosions before the enormous fire - with some claiming to have heard the booms as far as 20 miles away.

Severn Trent say the incident was caused by a lightning strike hitting a bio gas tank during thunderstorms last night, causing it to combust.

Six fire engines, 40 firefighters, police and four ambulances were initially deployed to the scene at the plant, which turns food waste into biogas.

Images from the scene captured this morning (3/10) show three teal-coloured gas storage units with giant holes torn into their roofs where the flames burst through.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed it was at the scene, and said they were on standby to assist police and the fire service - though there have been no reported casualties.

Power outages were reported in some local villages including Witney, Burford and Chipping Norton.