- A major fire broke out at a recycling centre in Thatcham, West Berkshire, on Monday evening, involving approximately 150 tonnes of batteries.
- The blaze triggered loud explosions overnight, prompting a massive response from several regional fire and rescue services.
- Firefighters remain on scene at Colthrop Business Park to damp down hotspots, with residents advised to avoid the area and keep windows closed.
- Rail services in the area suffered severe disruption on Monday night, but Great Western Railway confirmed normal operations resumed on Tuesday morning.
- Newbury MP Lee Dillon called the situation concerning, amid broader emergency service warnings regarding the rapid rise in battery-related fires.
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