Essex industrial blast rattles Rettendon, countywide

A large industrial unit fire on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon triggered massive explosions and a mushroom-like smoke plume, with reports of the blast heard and felt for miles across Essex. Fire authorities urged nearby residents to close windows and avoid the area as they responded to what is described as a major incident with unknown causes and no confirmed injuries. Eyewitness reports from multiple towns, including Hadleigh, South Woodham Ferrers, and Rettendon, describe windows rattling and homes shaking from the blast. The smoke plume was visible across south Essex, extending to towns like Chelmsford and Maldon, before the origin of the fire was identified, with speculation that it could be a farm in Rettendon. Video and photo footage circulated on social media and news outlets, highlighting the scale of the event and ongoing firefighting efforts as authorities investigate the cause.