Services at Hackney Central station have been suspended following a significant fire that broke out on a residential road in east London. The blaze erupted at Cottrill Gardens around 6:10 PM on May 24, 2026, engulfing two cars, a static caravan, and a grass embankment. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
The London Fire Brigade dispatched eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters to tackle the inferno. Crews from Homerton, Leyton, Whitechapel, and surrounding fire stations responded to the scene after control officers received over 20 calls starting at 6:10 PM. A spokesperson for the brigade stated: 'A static caravan and two cars are alight, as well as part of a grass embankment.'
Impact on Transport
All Mildmay Overground services from Hackney Central have been suspended, with severe delays expected on the rest of the line. Passengers are advised to seek alternative routes or expect significant disruptions. The station remains closed as emergency services continue their work.
Eyewitness Accounts
Images from the scene shared on social media show a large column of smoke and flames lighting up the sky. One witness posted: 'Fire behind #hackneydowns #hackney,' accompanied by a photo of the blaze. The fire brigade confirmed that the cause is not yet known and investigations are ongoing.
This incident adds to a series of recent events in Hackney, including a flood of Lime bikes after the Hackney half-marathon and NHS staff storing e-bikes in hospitals despite warnings. For more updates, follow local news sources.
