Firefighters tackling large industrial unit blaze

Image source, Carole Vernon Image caption, Plumes of smoke can be seen across many parts of south Essex By Lewis Adams Essex Published 24 July 2026, 18:12 BST Updated 5 minutes ago Firefighters 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 touch Your Voice Contact form Contact form Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , external , Instagram , external and X , external . Related topics Rettendon West Hanningfield East Hanningfield South Hanningfield Related internet links Essex County Fire & Rescue Service