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Crews tackle fire at Langley Green distillery Crews tackle fire at Langley Green distillery
(35 minutes later)
Homes have been evacuated as more than 75 firefighters tackle a large fire at a distillery in the Black Country.Homes have been evacuated as more than 75 firefighters tackle a large fire at a distillery in the Black Country.
More than 15 crews were sent to the fire at Alcohols Ltd, in Crosswells Road, Langley Green, which started shortly before 10:00 GMT.More than 15 crews were sent to the fire at Alcohols Ltd, in Crosswells Road, Langley Green, which started shortly before 10:00 GMT.
Eyewitnesses described hearing explosions at the site, which is near a level crossing.Eyewitnesses described hearing explosions at the site, which is near a level crossing.
Residents told the BBC they believed the fire had spread to a nearby home. Residents said they believed the fire had spread to a nearby home.
BBC WM reporter James Bovill, who is at the scene, said one eyewitness told him he saw a man covered in flames run screaming from the distillery, which makes gin and vodka.
People reported seeing thick black smoke from several miles away, including from the M5.People reported seeing thick black smoke from several miles away, including from the M5.
West Midlands Police said Crosswells Road, Tat Banks Road, and the Western Road and Vicarage Road junction with Dog Kennel Lane were closed.West Midlands Police said Crosswells Road, Tat Banks Road, and the Western Road and Vicarage Road junction with Dog Kennel Lane were closed.
Thompson Road and New Henry Street have also been shut.Thompson Road and New Henry Street have also been shut.
Officers said residents living "within the vicinity of the fire" were currently being moved from their homes. Train services affected
London Midland said the "lineside fire" was affecting services between Snow Hill and Stourbridge. Sandwell Borough Council said police were moving people living and working within a 100m radius of the site.
'Really, really bad' Moat Farm Junior School has been opened for refuge for those evacuated from their homes.
London Midland said the fire was affecting services between Snow Hill and Stourbridge.
It said the Midlands Metro was accepting tickets to the Hawthorns ground, while Network West Midlands was accepting them on its nine, 120 and 127 bus services.It said the Midlands Metro was accepting tickets to the Hawthorns ground, while Network West Midlands was accepting them on its nine, 120 and 127 bus services.
Surinder Sohal, who runs a nearby business, said he saw flames that were 40ft to 50ft high.Surinder Sohal, who runs a nearby business, said he saw flames that were 40ft to 50ft high.
He said: "It's really, really bad.He said: "It's really, really bad.
"It's been burning for about three hours at the moment and there doesn't seem to be any chance of it stopping. You can feel the heat, even standing 300-400 yards away.""It's been burning for about three hours at the moment and there doesn't seem to be any chance of it stopping. You can feel the heat, even standing 300-400 yards away."
One eyewitness, who did not want to be identified, said he had been about 1km away from the fire but could feel the heat from it.