A massive explosion ripped through a gas works in south-west London, causing an enormous fire which could be seen for miles around.

The Nine Elms Gas Works in Battersea, owned by the London Gaslight Company, supplied gas made from coal.

One of the two large gas holders on site exploded, showering the surrounding area with large chunks of ironwork. The fire quickly spread to the second one, causing a huge blaze.

Ten employees died in the explosion, and many of the residents living in the streets nearby were burned by the blast, some seriously.

It’s though a gas leak, which probably was ignited by somebody smoking illegally on site, caused the explosion.

However, the damage was quickly repaired and the works was soon back producing gas. It finally closed in 1970.