NewsUK NewsEmergencyLIVEUpdated 1 min agoFire crews are tackling a massive fire on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon in Essex, with residents across the county reporting they felt the explosionA massive explosion has rocked EssexAn explosion has rocked homes across Essex, with residents from miles around taking to X to report that they felt the blast.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has said: "We’re currently at the scene of large industrial unit fire in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area if you can."‌View PostView PostToday18:29 BSTAwaiting updates from police and fire serviceThe Mirror has contacted Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for further information.Today18:20 BSTMap shows location of fireA map shows Southend Road, where firefighters are tackling a large blaze at an industrial unit.The road is located between East Hanningfield and Rettendon in the Chelmsford district of Essex.Today18:15 BSTLocals told to keep windows and doors shutA large fire has broken out at an industrial unit on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon in Essex.Essex Fire Service is urging people who live nearby to keep their windows and doors closed.Today18:12 BSTEssex residents report hearing blast from miles awayA number of people across Essex have taken to X to say they felt the blast, with some reporting they heard it miles away from the site on Southend Road.Responding to Essex Fire Service's statement, one person wrote: 'We heard this all the way in Hadleigh, Essex. Approximately 8.5 miles away."Today18:06 BSTStatement from Essex fire serviceEssex County Fire and Rescue Service has said: "We’re currently at the scene of large industrial unit fire in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area if you can."‌