Yesterday's explosion at Highlands Farm near Rettendon, Essex, has left a trail of destruction and a sobering reminder of the risks faced by emergency services personnel when dealing with industrial fires. The incident saw 20 firefighters taken to hospital for assessment following a major fire and subsequent explosion at a fertiliser storage unit.
The blaze, which was declared a major incident by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), broke out on Southend Road at approximately 4:50 PM BST, with over 100 firefighters deployed to the scene. Within an hour, a unit housing fertiliser exploded, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area and leaving many witnesses shaken.
Of those who attended hospital, four sustained minor injuries, while sixteen others underwent precautionary checks for potential hearing loss following the explosion. All personnel have since been discharged from hospital, with Essex's Chief Fire Officer, Rick Hylton, praising their 'remarkable professionalism, courage and commitment' in the face of a 'one of the most challenging and complex incidents' the ECFRS has faced.
The fire also had a devastating impact on local firefighting resources, destroying three fire engines and two fire service cars. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is currently underway, with recovery operations underway for businesses affected by the incident.