Fertiliser explosion sparks fire at Essex farm

A large explosion occurred at a fertiliser storage facility on a farm near Chelmsford, Essex, on Tuesday morning, prompting a major emergency response. The blast was heard across the surrounding countryside, and a thick plume of smoke rose from the site, leading authorities to declare a major incident and activate a coordinated response involving Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the police, and ambulance crews.

Emergency teams secured the area, evacuated nearby residents, and established a safety perimeter while investigating the cause of the detonation. Initial reports indicated no fatalities, though several individuals were treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. Roads around the farm were temporarily closed, and the incident disrupted local traffic and agricultural operations. The Health and Safety Executive has launched a formal inquiry into the storage practices of the fertiliser, and officials said the situation remains under control as cleanup and safety assessments continue.