The explosion at an industrial unit near Rettendon, Essex, forced the response of over 100 firefighters and the declaration of a major incident. Witness video showed a fireball and a mushroom-shaped smoke column, and many residents compared the noise to a bomb or sonic boom. Emergency teams, including hazardous-area paramedics and police, attended the scene; by Friday evening the cause and any casualties remained unconfirmed while firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Huge Explosion Rips Through Essex Industrial Unit — 'Ball of Fire' Seen, Sonic-Boom-Like Blast Heard Miles Away
The public has been urged to avoid the area [BBC]
A powerful explosion tore through an industrial unit near the village of Rettendon, south of Chelmsford, Essex, on Friday, sending a towering ball of flame into the sky and prompting the declaration of a major incident.
Emergency Response
More than 100 firefighters from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service were mobilised to tackle the blaze. Commanders later said crews had surrounded the fire, though "significant smoke" remained on scene. The East of England Ambulance Service deployed its hazardous area response team, and police units were also in attendance. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed while operations continue.
Eyewitness Reports and Footage
Video from witnesses captured a dramatic fireball erupting skywards and a mushroom-shaped cloud above the site. Locals described a deafening explosion that shook buildings and rattled windows. Adrian Walker, 46, of Ashingdon, said the ground and buildings shook and birds took flight; he added the blast was audible from around 15 miles away.
Several smaller fires were seen around the main blast site [Zoie O'Brien/BBC]
"I've never heard anything like it. At first I thought it was the MoD testing ordnance," Adrian Walker told the BBC.
Matthew Fergusson of Wickford described seeing a "massive explosion" and a towering smoke column, while Steven Whan, 58, of Bicknacre, said his house shook and the noise resembled a sonic boom.
Damage, Casualties and Investigation
Aerial imagery and on-the-ground photos showed extensive wreckage and several smaller secondary fires around the main blast site. By Friday evening, officials had not confirmed any casualties, and the cause of the explosion remained under investigation. Fire crews continued to extinguish hotspots and secure the scene as inquiries proceeded.
Public safety note: Emergency services asked people to avoid the area while crews work and to report any relevant footage or information to the police.
Help us improve.
