Houses across Essex shake for miles after ‘massive explosion’

Emily Bashforth | Live News reporter Published July 24, 2026 6:21pm Updated July 24, 2026 6:21pm An ‘enormous explosion’ was heard for miles (Picture: Metro/Myles Goode/Jordan Sullivan) Essex Fire Service has responded to a ‘large industrial unit fire’ that caused a series of ‘enormous explosions’ that could be heard for miles. 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.’ 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’ on their house. Sign up