Essex fire: 100 firefighters battling huge Southend Road blaze - 'Massive explosion'

A massive explosion at an industrial unit on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon rocked Essex on Friday evening, July 24th. The blast, occurring at approximately 5:45pm, was powerful enough to shake homes across the county and could be felt from as far as 15 miles away. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service deployed 100 firefighters to the scene at the peak of the response as emergency services declared a major incident.

The explosion occurred when a large container of fertiliser ignited while firefighters were already responding to the blaze at the industrial unit. The resulting fireball and shock wave created visible destruction, with debris raining down on surrounding properties and windows in neighbouring buildings shattered by the force. A huge plume of smoke rose from the site, visible from Chelmsford and Southend, prompting officials to issue urgent warnings for residents to keep their doors and windows shut.

Scott Johnson, a 46-year-old wedding photographer from Galleywood whose studio is located on the industrial estate, witnessed the blast firsthand. Describing the moment, he said: "I've never seen or heard anything like it in my entire life. I felt it. I was standing by the door and the force pushed me into the studio door just as I locked it. If the door was open I'd have been blown into the studio." He continued: "I just looked up and there was just a barn raining down on top of me on fire, bits of metal, bits of wood, bits of Christ knows what. I've literally walked away apart from a fuzzy ear completely unscathed."

The fire engulfed multiple industrial units and a field, prompting evacuations in the immediate surrounding area. Around 50 firefighters remained on scene the following morning. Area Manager Dave Bond stated: "There will be a thorough investigation carried out to find the cause of the fire" and assured the public that "there is no wider risk to members of the public at this time."