A major fire is being tackled at Ronaldsway Industrial Estate, with large plumes of smoke visible across the south of the island.

The blaze appears to be affecting the combined fire and ambulance station opposite Isle of Man Airport, although official confirmation of the building involved and the extent of any damage is still awaited.

Video footage and images from the scene show flames and thick smoke coming from the site as several fire crews tackle the blaze.

One eyewitness told Isle of Man Today that he had been cleared from the area amid concerns that gas canisters inside the site could explode.

He later reported hearing what sounded like ‘explosions’ coming from the building.

Police are also at the scene and access to the industrial estate has been blocked.

The road heading north from Janet’s Corner in Castletown has also been closed by police, according to an eyewitness.

The blaze at the joint fire and ambulance station
The blaze at the joint fire and ambulance station (-)

The closure is causing traffic disruption in the area, with motorists attempting to find alternative routes.

The combined fire and ambulance station opened after plans for the £1.45m facility were approved by Tynwald in June 2016.

It replaced Castletown’s former fire station, which had reached the end of its operational life after 53 years, while the Southern Ambulance Service moved from its previous premises at Four Roads in Port St Mary.

The facility was designed with drive-in, drive-out access for fire appliances and ambulances, as well as staff facilities and a 10-metre training tower.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the incident is ongoing.