Twenty firefighters taken to hospital after Rettendon explosion

20 firefighters were hospitalized after a fire broke out in an industrial facility and spread to a fertilizer warehouse, causing a huge explosion.

The fire service announced a major incident at Highlands Farm, near the village of Rettendon in Essex, on Friday, with more than 100 firefighters battling the flames.

3 fire engines and 2 fire trucks became unusable in the fire.

Speaking at a media conference on Saturday, Rick Hylton, Essex’s fire chief, praised the “exceptional professionalism, courage and dedication” of fire crews.