Firefighters from Essex Fire Service spent Sunday and into the weekend monitoring and cooling hotspots at the scene of a major explosion on farmland between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, the service has said.
On-the-ground response and safety work
A station manager, Paul Champ, said crews were focusing on preventing secondary fires amid windy conditions and very dry fields surrounding the site. He said teams had worked to keep the area cooled to protect nearby trees and farmland.
"We know this is impacting lots of residents and local businesses and we'd like to thank the local community for their continued patience while we work to make the scene safe."
More than 100 firefighters initially attended what was declared a "major incident". At least 15 firefighters were reported as working on monitoring hotspots on Sunday. Several fire appliances and cars were involved in the response, and three fire engines and two fire service cars were destroyed in the blaze.
Casualties, injuries and support
Twenty firefighters were taken to hospital for assessment; all have been discharged. Four were treated for minor injuries while the remainder underwent routine checks for possible hearing damage. Essex's chief fire officer, Rick Hylton, commended the efforts and courage of the crews involved during a media briefing.
- Initial attendance: more than 100 firefighters
- Sunday hotspot monitoring: 15 firefighters
- Appliances destroyed: 3 fire engines and 2 fire service cars
- Firefighters taken to hospital: 20 (all discharged)
Impact on local area and access
Southend Road remains closed and access to the site is restricted while the fire service completes safety work and investigators carry out enquiries. Recovery information for affected residents and businesses is being coordinated through Chelmsford City Council.
A witness described the sound of the explosion as akin to a bomb or a sonic boom, with one saying the scene felt cinematic as debris fell: "It was like a movie - I looked up and an exploded barn rained on me."
| Item | Reported |
|---|---|
| Firefighters initially attending | More than 100 |
| Firefighters monitoring hotspots (Sunday) | 15 |
| Appliances destroyed | 3 engines, 2 service cars |
| Firefighters taken to hospital | 20 (all discharged) |
Essex Fire Service has said a fire investigation is under way to determine the cause of the explosion. In the meantime, residents and motorists should continue to obey closures and directions from emergency services. Chelmsford City Council will publish further guidance for those directly affected as recovery arrangements are put in place.
The incident has left a visible mark on local farmland and has disrupted travel and business activity in the immediate vicinity. Authorities have appealed for patience while safety and investigative work continues.
