Have YOU been affected? Email fran.wolfisz@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:48 BST, 24 July 2026 | Updated: 02:02 BST, 25 July 2026
A huge explosion has rocked homes across Essex after a blaze erupted at an industrial unit containing fertiliser.More than 100 firefighters are currently at the scene tackling the inferno in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, with thick black billowing smoke seen across the county.Residents described hearing several loud booms from a farm estate just before 6pm on Friday and have been warned by emergency services to keep their doors and windows closed while the 'significant incident' is attended to. Aerial footage shows multiple buildings and vehicles ablaze, with dozens of fire engines and ambulances lining the roads around the scene.According to reports, the explosion was heard up to nearly 15 miles away from the scene of the fire. Some stated they heard the blast in Southend, around a 30-minute drive away.Another resident reported on social media that a relative's house had been damaged by the sheer force of the shockwave.Essex Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident and advised people to avoid travelling to the area. A huge explosion has rocked homes across Essex after a huge blaze erupted at an industrial unit in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon An aerial image of the site shows the extent of the blaze, with more than 100 firefighters now on the sceneThe main road between Rettendon Turnpike and South Hanningfield Road is closed while emergency services remain at the scene.Local resident Steven Whan, 58, from Bicknacre, near Danbury, told BBC: 'The police have blocked off everything. You can't get nowhere near it.'I thought it was a sonic boom because we've experienced that before.'Meanwhile The Royal Tiger restaurant in Chelmsford, close to the scene, reported the 'sky has gone black'. An employee told MyLondon: 'We are fine but we felt the place shake. We had a table inside eating in - they were understandably scared. We all thought the explosion came from our kitchen because it was very loud.'A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Over 100 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire in Southend Road. Please continue to avoid area, and keep your windows and doors closed if you live nearby.' Area Manager Dave Bond said in an update this evening: 'This is a significant fire but we have it under control and there is no wider risk to members of the public. 'A number of industrial units have caught alight as well as a field and crews have been working to prevent the fire spreading to nearby houses.'While on the scene, fertiliser inside one of the units exploded and residents across the county have reported hearing and feeling it. 'This is why we declared a major incident and I want to reassure our residents that there is no wider risk to the public at this time.'Everybody at the scene is safe, residents nearby have been evacuated while we put the fire out and Southend Road is currently closed to allow us more space to work safely.'We expect to be at the scene throughout the night. It is producing lots of smoke so we recommended keeping your windows and doors shut if you live nearby. Roads will remain closed, please avoid the area and thanks for your patience.'There have not yet been any confirmed reports of injuries.
