Essex explosion: 100 firefighters tackle blaze after fertiliser blast shakes homes 15 miles away

A massive explosion triggered by burning fertiliser tore through an industrial unit at a farm in Essex on Friday, shaking homes up to 15 miles away and prompting a major incident declaration. More than 100 firefighters were called to Highlands Farm off Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, after the blaze was first reported at 4:50pm. Video posted on social media captured the moment the blast sent a huge fireball and mushroom cloud into the sky, with people seen running from the scene. “It sounded as though somebody dropped a sort of pallet of bricks just over the road, it was that loud,” said David Harris, who lives about six miles away. Steven Whan, 58, from Bicknacre, thought he had heard a jet’s sonic boom: “Our house shook, the doorbell went off.” Essex County Fire and Rescue Service area manager Dave Bond said the explosion occurred while crews were on site, as fertiliser inside one of the units ignited. “This is why we declared a major incident,” he said, adding that the blaze was under control and there was “no wider risk to members of the public”. Eight fire engines and other specialist vehicles were deployed, with around 50 firefighters expected to stay at the scene overnight. Police cordoned off a large area and advised residents to keep windows and doors closed. East of England Ambulance Service said it was responding to a “significant incident”. Locals in East Hanningfield were warned of low water pressure due to firefighting efforts. A nearby restaurant, Taz on Main Road, Rettendon Common, closed for the evening because of road closures. Bond said: “Everybody at the scene is safe; residents nearby have been evacuated. We expect to be here throughout the night.”