- A major incident was declared and residents evacuated after fertiliser exploded during a blaze which engulfed industrial units and a field in Essex.
- Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at 4.50pm on Friday, according to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
- More than 100 firefighters worked to tackle the fire, and some are expected to be at the scene overnight.
- A number of industrial units and a field caught alight, and while fire crews were on scene, fertiliser inside one of the units exploded.
- Nearby residents have been evacuated while the fire is being extinguished and everyone at the scene is safe.
- Smoke plumes could be seen billowing in the sky in photos and videos posted online, while some locals have said they heard explosions.
- Firefighters suffered minor injuries and three fire engines were destroyed in a 'significant' blaze at a large industrial unit in Essex.
- Mr Hylton said 20 firefighters attended hospital after the blaze, with four suffering minor injuries. All have been discharged.
- Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed, and a 'major incident' was declared as thick black smoke engulfed the surrounding area.
Residents were evacuated and a major incident declared after a fertiliser explosion during a fire at industrial units in Essex. Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road at 4:50 PM on Friday, with over 100 firefighters battling the flames.5
The fire, which engulfed multiple industrial units and a field, led to thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Area manager Dave Bond confirmed that while the fire was significant, it was under control and posed no wider risk to the public. “Everybody at the scene is safe,” he stated, adding that residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.9
The explosion was powerful enough to be heard and felt for miles, with local councillor Danielle Belton describing the incident as having “really shook the community.” Firefighters faced intense conditions, resulting in 20 crew members attending hospital, with four suffering minor injuries. All have since been discharged.7
The fire also destroyed three fire engines and two officer cars, highlighting the scale of the incident. “This underlines the scale and intensity of the conditions our crews faced,” said fire chief Rick Hylton. The incident is expected to continue into the weekend, with residents urged to avoid the area.
“The explosion was heard and felt for miles, with a local councillor saying the incident 'has really shook the community'. Twenty firefighters were taken to hospital, four with minor injuries, and three fire engines were destroyed in the blaze.”
London Evening Standard
