Flames engulfed an industrial building on farmland in Essex on Friday afternoon, prompting a major response from fire crews and an evacuation order for nearby residents. The blaze, situated on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, sent shockwaves through the local community as eyewitnesses described hearing a powerful explosion that preceded the inferno.
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service has declared the incident "significant" and is warning members of the public to avoid the area, citing concerns over potential smoke and fumes. As crews work tirelessly to bring the fire under control, residents living nearby or passing through are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
The East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed its attendance at the scene, describing it as a "significant incident". While authorities have yet to confirm the scale of the fire or any potential casualties, those in close proximity reported feeling the ground shake and hearing the sound of birds taking flight in response to the initial explosion.
Local residents like Adrian Walker, 46, from Ashingdon, who is approximately 15 miles away from the site, described feeling the full force of the blast. "It was like a bomb going off," he said, recalling the windows rattling and buildings shaking. Another witness, David Harris from nearby Rayleigh, likened the sound to "someone dropping a pile of bricks" outside his window.
The incident has caused significant concern and disruption in the area, with emergency services working around the clock to bring the situation under control and assess the full extent of the damage. As the firefighting efforts continue, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.