Four huge explosions were heard by terrified Princes Risborough residents before a blaze broke out this afternoon.
Plumes of thick black smoke were seen billowing in the air from miles around after a diesel tank blaze on Summerleys Farm Road.
Neighbours living nearby described how the explosions, which happened just before 4.30pm, "shook the house".
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Dozens of fire engines and police vehicles descended on the scene after more than 60 panicked 999 calls were made reporting the blaze.
The fire is reported to have happened after a static diesel tank exploded and there were fears another one could too.
It is not believed that anyone was injured in the explosions or the fire.
Photo by Yvonne David
Yvonne David, who lives nearby, said: "I was just about to leave my house to go to the garage at the end of the road and as I opened the front door I just saw all this black smoke and I thought 'oh my gosh, what has happened?'
"I had a feeling it was the family across the road but I didn't know what had happened. The smoke was just continuous.
"I went up to the garage and spoke to them up there because we were all concerned.
"My husband is the affected family's friend and we tried to call them but they didn't answer.
"Nothing like this has ever happened before."
Keane Spenlé who lives on Summerleys Road, said the explosions were "incredibly loud", adding: "There were about four explosions in total, a minute or less apart.
Photo by Keane Spenlé
"The sound of the explosions shook the house."
Despite the warm temperatures today, Princes Risborough residents were warned to keep their windows shut because of the thick smoke.
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Because the fire was close to the railway line, Chiltern Railways was forced to suspend services between Princes Risborough and Haddenham and Thame Parkway.
The line has now reopened although services are still affected.
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