Fire service rings warning as blaze continues after explosion
More than 100 firefighters remain at the scene of a significant fire at an industrial unit on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, after a large explosion earlier on Friday evening. Essex Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident and said the blaze is surrounded but not yet extinguished.
Emergency services continue to work at the site, and the fire service has urged people in the immediate area to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Video footage posted on social media captured the moment of the explosion and subsequent flames, and images from the scene show thick smoke rising above the industrial unit.
"The whole house completely shook, the windows I thought we were going to lose them,"
The quote above was given by a local resident who said the blast felt like a sonic shockwave. Residents reported rattled windows, loft hatches blown off and some loss of power to nearby homes. Ambulances were deployed to the area, though at the time of the latest updates the extent of any injuries had not been confirmed.
Local disruption and emergency response
Fire crews described the incident as large and complex. Commanders at the scene said they believe they have the fire surrounded, but operations remain active and resources are engaged in preventing further spread to neighbouring properties and land. The decision to declare a major incident reflects the scale of the response rather than a confirmed wider public risk, according to the latest statements from the fire service.
- Location: Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon
- Response: More than 100 firefighters attending
- Status: Fire surrounded but not extinguished; major incident declared
- Public advice: Keep windows and doors closed; avoid the area
Local residents described the scene as frightening. One neighbour said the blast shook her house and caused internal damage such as plaster coming away from ceilings. Power cuts were reported in parts of the nearby residential area. Crews remain on scene assessing hazards and conducting firefighting and containment activities.
Timeline and known facts
Information is still emerging and the cause of the explosion has not been established. The following table summarises the key confirmed points released by emergency services and eyewitnesses:
| Item | Confirmed details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Large fire at industrial unit with a subsequent explosion |
| Location | Southend Road (between East Hanningfield and Rettendon) |
| Emergency response | More than 100 firefighters; ambulances on site |
| Public safety advice | Keep windows and doors closed; avoid the area |
| Cause & injuries | Not yet known / unconfirmed |
Essex Fire and Rescue Service has been providing updates from the scene but investigators will need to establish what triggered the initial fire and the explosion that followed. Residents who have been affected by the incident are being asked to follow official guidance and to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work unimpeded.
InfoRadar will continue to follow this developing story and publish further information as it becomes available from the emergency services and local authorities.
