Essex Fire Service has responded to a ‘large industrial unit fire’ that caused a series of ‘enormous explosions’ that could be heard for miles.
The first explosion was heard at around 5.45pm.
A statement released this evening read: ‘We’re currently at the scene of a 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.’
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The cause of the fire is unknown, and it is unclear whether anyone has been injured, but it’s taken 45 firefighters and 11 fire engines to tackle the blaze.
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East of England Ambulance Service added that it was responding to a ‘significant incident’.
The initial focus was on preventing the flames from spreading to neighbouring commercial units and farm buildings.
Pictures obtained by Metro from South Woodham Ferrers and Rayleigh show a huge plume of brown and orange smoke, with a resident saying the explosion ‘shook the windows’ of their house.
Taking to social media, others near and far shared footage of the smoke and described what they felt, likening the sound to that of a ‘bomb going off’.
@TheHonLady wrote on X that their ‘whole house’ trembled, while @GreggWayling said their ‘windows rattled’ after the ‘boom’.
@Paul_Patriot12 also posted a video as flames erupted from a thick grey cloud at around 5.30pm.
Greatest Hits Radio Essex News posted that ‘explosions have been heard up to 12 miles away’.
Smoke has been seen as far as various parts of South Essex, Chelmsford, and Maldon, with Southend Road experiencing severe disruption.
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