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Battery fire at Thatcham business park disrupts rail services

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 4:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Fire crews are battling a large battery fire at Colthrop Business Park in Thatcham, Berkshire.
The blaze involves about 150 tonnes of assorted batteries, according to fire officials.
Unconfirmed reports suggest lithium batteries caused the explosions at the industrial estate.
Great Western Railway cancelled Reading-Newbury trains and diverted London-Paddington services to the West Country.
Explosions were heard from 8 pm Monday, continuing past 8:35 pm, and again around 1 am.

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Story summary

Fire crews are battling a large battery fire at Colthrop Business Park in Thatcham, Berkshire.
The blaze involves about 150 tonnes of assorted batteries, according to fire officials.
Unconfirmed reports suggest lithium batteries caused the explosions at the industrial estate.
Great Western Railway cancelled Reading-Newbury trains and diverted London-Paddington services to the West Country.
Explosions were heard from 8 pm Monday, continuing past 8:35 pm, and again around 1 am.