'I don't know where I'm sleeping tonight' - 100 firefighters remain on scene at Rettendon explosion
Locals tell us cars and houses have been damaged - we're at the scene speaking to them
Last updated 21 hours ago
An explosion in the countryside down the road from Chelmsford - has rocked houses up to twelve miles away.
Dramatic footage circulating online appears to show a huge fireball erupting from an industrial unit on Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.
Eye witnesses tell us their homes 'shook' and doors rattled as the blast was loud enough to be heard as far as Southend-on-Sea.
One man we spoke to at the scene told our reporter his roof had been blown off: "I was scared, worried that a bit of shrapnel might hit me and put me in hospital."
"We don't know the next steps yet. I've been told to go and find somewhere to sleep for the night."
Essex Fire and Rescue Service put out this update on their website at 6.30pm - "Over 100 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire in Southend Road.
Please continue to avoid area, and keep your windows and doors closed if you live nearby."
Another local told us how their house shook as the explosion happened: "It was just like a massive bang, our door rattled and our radiator shook."
Cllr Andy Barnes, Leader of Basildon Council, said:
"I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are currently responding to this major incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we sincerely hope that all those involved are safe and well.
"Basildon Council stands ready to support our emergency service partners in any way we can as they continue to respond to this incident."
One man waiting at the police cordon in South Hanningfield told our reporter he was waiting for his son who worked on the industrial estate.
He told us his son was in shock, and that his car had been destroyed: "His car was blown up with it all, he says his cars gone and he's in shock at the moment. His mum's gone up to try and get him but the phone signal isn't working."
Police have closed many of the local roads around the site of the explosion and people are being urged to stay away from the area.