AN EXPLOSION ripped through a packed commuter Tube train at Parsons Green, London, this morning leaving “lots injured”, according to witnesses at the scene.
The explosion devastated the District Line Tube train at Parsons Green station, in west London.
Police launched an immediate terror investigation – but the cause is still unknown.
However eye-witnesses said victims suffered facial injuries after a white cannister exploded.
One witness said there were “lots” of people injured after the explosion and a subsequent stampede.
Another said a “fireball flew down the carriage”.
One woman said on Twitter: “I’m safe – just had to run for my life at #ParsonsGreen station – huge stampede, lots injured. Not sure why – fire/explosion mentioned.”
Police confirmed they are investigating an “incident”.
A photo shared on social media appears to show the object which exploded on the train this morning.
It appears to be a white, bucket-type container contained in a Lidl bag.
The photo showed the container still burning with passengers’ bags scattered across the carriage.
Another photo appears to show wires hanging out of the container.
One witness, Richard Aylmer-Hall, said several people had been injured in a stampede following the explosion.
He said: “I was blissfully reading my paper and listening to a podcast and suddenly the whole world charged past me down the platform, down the Tube.
“There was panic, lots of people shouting, screaming, lots of screaming.
“There was a woman on the platform who said she had seen a bag, a flash and a bang, so obviously something had gone off.
“It was an absolutely packed, rush-hour District Line train from Wimbledon to Edgware Road.
“I saw crying women, there was lots of shouting and screaming, there was a bit of a crush on the stairs going down to the streets.
“Some people got pushed over and trampled on, I saw two women being treated by ambulance crews.
“Since then, every emergency vehicle in London has gone past me, fire engines, ambulances, every type of police vehicle.”
“I don’t think anyone was hurt by the actual device or whatever it was.”
One photo at the scene showed a woman sat on the pavement being treated by a responder.
Shocked commuters took to Twitter to describe the scene.
One said: “What the f**k is happening at Parsons Green – never been so scared – can we get an announcement???”
Another said: “Horror on District Line at Parsons Green due to explosion / fire on train.
“People struggling to get out of the station.”
A third said: “What’s happening at Parsons Green, panic on the platform reports of fire or explosion in a bag. No announcements.”
The Met Police said: “Police were called at approximately 08:20hrs on Friday, 15 September to Parsons Green Underground Station following reports of an incident on a tube train.
“Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police are in attendance along with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
“We would advise people to avoid the area.”
Transport for London said: “We are investigating an incident at Parsons Green. Customers travelling btn Wimbledon & Earl’s Court are advised to use alternative routes.”
Natasha Wills, of London Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 8.20am to reports of an incident at Parsons Green underground station.
“We have sent multiple resources to the scene including single responders in cars, ambulance crews, incident response officers and our hazardous area response team, with the first of our medics arriving in under five minutes.
“Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries. More information will follow when we have it.”
A hazardous material team has also been dispatched to the scene.
Greg Hands, the MP for the area, said: “Extremely concerned at this reported incident in my constituency at Parsons Green. Seeking more information.”
The District Line is closed between Wimbledon and Earls Court, according to TfL.
Source:www.express.co.uk