Massive explosion rocks Essex industrial unit, causing widespread disruption.
A huge explosion was heard for miles across Essex, causing widespread disruption and prompting a major incident declaration from emergency services. The blast occurred at an industrial unit, with over 100 firefighters working to extinguish the blaze.
The Essex Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that everyone at the scene is safe, with no wider risk to members of the public. However, roads in the area remain closed due to the severity of the fire, and residents are being advised to keep their windows and doors shut to avoid exposure to the smoke.
The explosion was so powerful that it caused shockwaves to be felt as far as 15 miles away, with residents reporting that their houses shook and windows rattled. Social media users shared footage of a massive plume of smoke, with some describing the scene as looking like a "mushroom cloud" towering into the sky.
A business owner in the area reported that the sky turned black outside their restaurant, with diners understandably scared when the vibrations began. The explosion is believed to have been caused by the ignition of fertiliser inside one of the industrial units.
Emergency services are working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses. The East of England Ambulance Service is also on the scene, responding to the significant incident. Residents are being advised to follow the advice of the fire service and avoid the area until further notice.
