Firefighters tackling large industrial unit blaze

Image source, Carole VernonImage caption, Plumes of smoke can be seen across many parts of south EssexByLewis AdamsEssexPublished24 July 2026, 18:12 BSTUpdated 3 minutes agoFirefighters are dealing with what has been described as a "significant incident" at an industrial building in Essex.Crews were called to farmland in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, on Friday afternoon.People have described hearing what sounded like an explosion to the BBC.

One said it was "like a bomb" had gone off.Essex County Fire & Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area and said: "If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed."East of England Ambulance Service said it was responding to a "significant incident".

Adrian Walker, 46, from Ashenden, said: "The ground shook, buildings shook, windows rattled, birds flew off - and I am 15 miles away."David Harris, from nearby Rayleigh, described it as "like someone had dropped a pile of bricks" outside his window.Do you have a story suggestion for Essex?

Contact us below.Get in touchYour VoiceContact formContact formFollow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.Related topicsRettendonWest HanningfieldEast HanningfieldSouth HanningfieldRelated internet linksEssex County Fire & Rescue Service 24 July 2026, 18:12 BST Get in touchYour VoiceContact formContact form Essex County Fire & Rescue Service