Massive fertiliser explosion destroys fire engines and injures firefighters in Essex
Published on 07/25/2026 at 14:47 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
A huge explosion at an industrial site in Rettendon, Essex, has destroyed multiple fire engines and sent 20 firefighters to hospital, in an incident that rocked homes up to 15 miles away.
The blast, caused by a fertiliser explosion at Highlands Farm on Southend Road, was so powerful it created a visible mushroom cloud and shattered windows in neighbouring villages. The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 17:46 BST on July 24, 2026, nearly an hour after first being called to the scene at 16:50 BST.
Fire engines destroyed, firefighters hospitalised
Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton confirmed on Saturday that the explosion destroyed three fire engines and two officer cars. While 20 firefighters were taken to hospital, the vast majority were admitted as a precaution. Four sustained minor injuries, and all personnel have since been discharged.
At the height of the response, more than 100 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, which spread across industrial units and into adjacent fields. The scale of the incident required a significant overnight operation, with 50 personnel remaining at the farm through the night.
Widespread damage to homes
The force of the explosion caused extensive damage to residential properties in the East Hanningfield and Rettendon areas. Residents reported shattered windows, lifted roof tiles, and in one case, patio doors blown off their hinges. Shockwaves from the blast were felt as far away as Basildon and Westcliff.
Authorities evacuated several residents and issued warnings for those nearby to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke, which was visible from Chelmsford and Southend. Southend Road remained closed to traffic as crews secured the perimeter.
Investigation underway
By the morning of July 25, the fire had been surrounded and largely extinguished. Approximately 25 firefighters remained on the scene as of 08:00 BST to monitor hotspots and ensure the site remained stable.
Fire officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation into the specific cause of the fertiliser explosion is planned. No civilian casualties have been reported, and emergency crews are expected to remain at the location through the weekend to continue monitoring the area.
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