Huge explosion ‘shakes Essex’ as more than 100 firefighters tackle blaze

The explosion was caught on camera

Emergency services were called to a large fire in Essex today which broke out at an industrial site.

The incident, which happened on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, has left thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air.

Footage from the area, which has spread quickly on social media, shows a large explosion.

The sound was so loud some locals thought there had been a sonic boom, the BBC reports.

As per Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's call logs, the fire was first reported at 16:50 BST.

Roads in the area surrounding the blaze have been shut by the police.

The fire service told people to "keep windows and doors closed" and to "avoid the area".

Area Manager Dave Bond gave an update on what has been "declared a major incident" by the fire service "due to the size of the fire".

He added that "we do believe we have the fire surrounded now, but we ask for the public's patience while we extinguish the fire".

In a later update, Bond said: "While on the scene, fertiliser inside one of the units exploded and residents across the county have reported hearing and feeling it.

"This is why we declared a major incident, and I want to reassure our residents that there is no wider risk to the public at this time."

There has been no comment on the cause or if anyone has been injured.