Over 100 firefighters battled the flames after a ‘fertiliser explosion’ in Essex on Friday (July 24)
Dramatic footage has captured the moment of an explosion at an industrial unit in South Hanningfield. Over 100 firefighters tackled the blaze as a major incident was declared following a “fertiliser explosion” that shook homes throughout Essex on Friday evening (July 24).
Thick smoke billowed above a large industrial unit on Southend Road, with the vast plume visible from as far afield as Chelmsford and Southend, stretching across the county.
Residents reported hearing a thunderous bang shortly before 6pm. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service remain on site, advising local residents and passing motorists to keep their doors and windows shut until further notice.
Video footage from the scene captures a massive explosion and fireball erupting from the industrial unit, with enormous clouds of smoke following in its wake. Eyewitnesses also reported seeing sizeable chunks of debris raining down, with windows in neighbouring properties left ‘shattered’ by the force of the blast.
The incident has dealt a significant blow to the local community, forcing some businesses to shut their doors, while others escaped unscathed, reports Essex Live.
It has since been confirmed that the fertiliser stored within the unit ignited and exploded. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with firefighters continuing to attend the scene into Saturday (July 25).
