WATCH VIDEO: Moment major 'bomb like' explosion happens in unit between Rettendon and East Hanningfield

A MAJOR fire is happening at an industrial site in Essex.

Firefighters are dealing with the "significant incident" at an industrial building on farmland in Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, today, Friday July 24 2026.

Many people have reported an explosion that sounded like a bomb.

This video, being shared on WhatsApp showed the moment of the explosion.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/c67a83_cb8f8764285a48a4a949ff5ac51719e7/240p/mp4/file.mp4

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area and said: "If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed."

East of England Ambulance Service said it was responding to a "significant incident".

This report will be updated.