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Firefighters tackled the blaze at the garage in County Oak Way, Crawley after eyewitnesses reported “explosions” and billowing smoke as well as a dozen emergency vehicles. Thomas Ferryman told Surrey Live he heard “many small explosions” erupting from inside the building.

Mr Ferryman said he saw seven fire engines and several ambulances. He said the fire broke out about 10.20am this morning while another eyewitness confirmed the blasts. The second onlooker said he thought the explosions were batteries igniting.

Tesla Crawley: The fire broke out about 10.20am this morning

Emma MacCrossen said she saw “thick, black” smoke billowing out of the dealership this morning. Ms MacCrossen said: “Just after 10am this morning I was sitting at my desk, within minutes smoke was billowing away from the building. “The smoke started as white and within 1 hour it is thick and black.”

Tesla Crawley: Firefighters have urged people to stay away

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said the dealership was “well alight” and urged people to stay away from the area earlier in the day. The service posted on Twitter: “The Tesla car dealership building in Crawley is currently well alight. We were called at 10.29am. “Six engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform at scene.

⚠️⚠️ The Tesla car dealership building in #Crawley is currently well alight. We were called at 10.29am, crews at scene.

Please avoid this busy area. — West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) March 2, 2019

Fire crews are tackling a blaze at a Tesla garage in Crawley, Surrey