A 200 metre exclusion zone has been set up after an overnight fire at a mechanical engineering works in Newtownabbey.
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Several nearby businesses were forced to close for the day. The closure of a number of roads at one of the M2's busiest areas, Sandyknowes, also caused widespread traffic disruption in the area.
Eight lorries were badly damaged in the blaze which broke out at the premises on the Scullions Road around Mallusk Industrial Estate at around 10.30 on Thursday night.
Over 50 firefighters were involved at the height of the incident, with appliances from across Northern Ireland.
The discovery of acetylene gas cylinders and the risk to public safety led to the exclusion zone, which is expected to remain in place until around 11pm on Friday.
"It is an inherently unstable substance which, if it causes an explosion, can cause risk to our personnel and the general public as well", Area Commander Peter O'Reilly told UTV.
Police have advised motorists travelling north from Belfast that the M2 country bound offslip at Sandyknowes and Scullions Road, Mallusk remains closed to traffic.
Anyone travelling in the Larne direction who would have used the A8 (M) from Sandyknowes is asked to continue along the motorway use the M2 Templepatrick exit.
Anyone who would have used the Sandyknowes interchange for access to the Ballyhenry Road and Manse Road areas should leave the M2 at Greencastle or Fortwilliam.
Motorists are advised to expect delays in the area and allow extra time for their journeys.
© UTV News