A MASSIVE fire has erupted on an industrial estate following reports of a “huge explosion” on the site.
Emergency crews raced to the Groundwell Trading Estate in Swindon earlier this evening after the blast was reported.
X / @Purdy_FrogLocals reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ before the fire erupted[/caption]
Flames could be seen towering meters into the air
Residents heard a “loud bang” before the fire erupted, with one saying they felt their house shake.
Huge plumes of smoke were then seen billowing into the air from the inferno alongside a tower of fire.
The pillars of flame coming off the blaze were seen all across Swindon with dozens of panicked residents calling it in.
Dramatic images were shared by locals showing the scale of the fire – which has left a cloud of smoke over the town.
Emergency services are on the scene and have urged people living nearby to remain inside and keep their windows closed.
A large cordon has been put in place around the industrial estate while emergency crews work to tackle the inferno.
It remains unclear if anyone was hurt in the blaze with emergency services attempting to make the area safe.
It is understood that the industrial estate was evacuated after the explosion which reportedly occurred inside one of the units on the site.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We are currently dealing with a serious incident at Groundwell Industrial Estate, Crompton Road.
“An explosion has occurred in one of the industrial units and we are working alongside colleagues from the ambulance and fire service to make the area safe.
“A large cordon is in place and Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive is currently closed.
“Members of the public who live nearby should stay inside, close all windows and avoid the area of the industrial estate for their own safety.
“We are working to evacuate the immediate area of the industrial estate but there is no need for residential dwellings to evacuate.
“The A419 remains open but should this change, we will update this post.”
Residents said they felt their ‘house shake’ when and heard a ‘loud bang’ just before the fire erupted
X / @Purdy_FrogHuge plumes of smoke billowed into the air[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
