An investigation has been launched into the cause of a huge fire at Eastville Tesco which partially closed the M32.
The northbound carriageway was closed completely last night (February 23) as fire crews from across Bristol tackled a blaze in the store's back yard.
Several residents reported hearing an explosion during the incident, with one person commenting: "I live close by and heard a loud boom then loads of sirens."
A video, taken outside the store at around 11pm, show flames near the side of the Tesco building next to the M32.
Avon Fire and Rescue has since confirmed the fire was extinguished shortly before midnight but the cause remains unknown at this stage.
Tesco remains open as usual today (February 24) while the northbound carriageway of the motorway has reopened.
The exit slip road at J2, which passes over the store's yard, remains closed however due to "severe damage" caused by the fire, which led to slow traffic building up in the area earlier this morning.
The closure is expected to be in place for much of the day and motorists have been warned to expect further delays during the evening rush hour.
Fire service statement
"Crews from Temple, Southmead and Bedminster fire stations were mobilised to reports of a fire in an open storage area," a spokeswoman for Avon Fire and Rescue said.
"On arrival, firefighters located the fire and used cutting and grinding equipment to gain access.
"Crews used four breathing apparatus for safety and two 45 mm jets and two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire.
"They also used three thermal imaging cameras locate hotspots in the affected area.
"Police and Highways England were also in attendance and the M32 slip road was closed.
"The cause is unknown and crews are returning for fire investigation."
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Tesco statement
A spokesman for Tesco said: “The fire brigade were called to our Bristol Eastville Extra last night after a colleague alerted them to a fire in the store's back yard.
"Thankfully there was no damage to the store and no-one was injured.
"The store is open as usual today.”
Highways England statement
A spokesperson for Highways England said: "The fire, underneath the northbound slip road, was reported at just before 10pm last night.
"The slip road passes over the River Frome and a waste storage yard at the Tesco Extra at Eastgate Retail Park.
"The fire service are no longer on the scene but the slip road will remain closed while the bridge is inspected for damage by structural engineers.
"However, an initial inspection suggests that severe damage has been caused to the bridged slip road and it will be closed while the full damage is determined.
"Severe delays are expected in the area, and drivers are advised to check before they travel and leave lots of extra time for their journeys."
