Cameron Poole

Video captures a major explosion at an industrial unit at Highlands Farm on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. The fire, involving fertiliser, prompted a major-incident declaration and deployed more than 100 firefighters. Three fire engines and two officer cars were destroyed, while 20 firefighters attended hospital; four suffered minor injuries and all were later discharged. Crews remained at the site to tackle remaining hotspots.