LONDON, Dec. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- There were unconfirmed reports that eight people have been killed in the large explosions near Hemel Hempstead, around 40 km north of London, the Sky News said on Sunday.

    The huge blast, followed by several smaller ones, appeared to be centered around the Buncefield fuel depot near junction 8 of the M1 motorway at 6:03 am local time (0603 GMT), and it was so powerful that it could be felt more than 30 km away.

    At least 12 rescue team members have been sent to the scene and emergency services are converging on the area, where flames could be seen soaring up to 200 ft (about 60 meters) in the sky.

    Hertfordshire Police said the explosion was an "accident" and nothing sinister.

    Witnesses said that buildings have been brought down and the roofs of houses were lifted by the force.

    One witness said he was near the site when the blast happened and he saw a building "open up like a dolls house."

    Windows were blown out at the Ramada hotel in Hemel Hempstead, which was evacuated after reports of injuries. Enditem