Auckland (The NZ Today)
A major fire has broken out in Manurewa, sending thick black smoke across the area as witnesses report hearing several loud explosions.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to the blaze on Great South Road at about 3.31pm on Saturday.
The fire is believed to involve a building in a commercial area, with crews from across Auckland responding, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, Otahuhu, Otara, Papakura, Mangere, Ellerslie, Remuera and Auckland City.
A witness near Mahia Road told the New Zealand Herald the fire appeared relatively small at first before rapidly intensifying.
They reported hearing several loud bangs resembling explosions as smoke billowed into the sky and was pushed across the area by the wind.
Great South Road was reported to have been blocked near the scene while emergency crews worked to bring the fire under control.
People in the area also reported a strong smell associated with the blaze.
Images from Manurewa show a large column of dark smoke rising above buildings and visible from surrounding suburbs.
The cause of the fire and whether anyone has been injured were not immediately clear.
