Explosion rocks homes as firefighters tackle huge blaze at industrial unit in Essex
A huge explosion shook houses after a fire broke out at an industrial facility in Essex.
More than 100 firefighters are now on scene to tackle the inferno on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, as thick black smoke can be seen across the borough.
Residents said they heard multiple loud explosions coming from a farm field just before 6pm on Friday and were warned by emergency services to keep their doors and windows closed while the ‘significant incident’ was attended to.
Aerial images show many buildings and vehicles in flames, and dozens of fire trucks and ambulances lined up on the roads around the scene.
According to the information obtained, the explosion was heard approximately 15 kilometers away from the fire scene. Some said they heard the explosion in Southend, about 30 minutes away by car.
Another resident reported on social media that a relative’s house was damaged by the intensity of the shock wave.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident and advised people to avoid traveling to the area.
A massive explosion has rocked homes in Essex following a massive fire at an industrial site on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.
An aerial view of the site shows the extent of the fire; More than 100 firefighters are currently on the scene
The main road between Rettendon Turnpike and South Hanningfield Road was closed while emergency services remained at the scene.
Local resident Steven Whan, 58, of Bicknacre, near Danbury, told the BBC: ‘The police blocked everything. You can’t get anywhere close.
‘I thought it was a sonic boom because we’ve experienced this before.’
Meanwhile, the Royal Tiger restaurant in Chelmsford, close to the scene, reported that the ‘sky was darkening’.
One employee told MyLondon: ‘We’re fine but we felt the place was shaking. We had a table of people eating inside – they were understandably terrified. ‘We all thought the explosion came from our kitchen because it was so loud.’
A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘More than 100 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire on Southend Road.
‘Please continue to avoid the area and keep your windows and doors closed if you live nearby.’
There is no confirmed information yet that he is injured.
