Massive Explosion Rocks Grounwell Industrial Estate in Swindon

A massive explosion occured today at the Groundwell Industrial Estate in Swindon, causing widespread damage and a large fire. The blast happened around 7:30 pm, shaking nearly homes and sending a huge fireball into the sky. Residents reported feeling their houses tremble from the force of the explosion.

Emergency services rushed to the scene with 10 fire engines, aerial ladder platfroms, water carriers and specialist vehicles. Firefighters worked to control a large warehouse fire that followed the explosion. The fire department, along with police and ambulence crews, is continuing its efforts to secure the area and prevent further damage. 

Wiltshire Police said they are handling a serious incident at one of the Industrial units on Crompton Road. They have evacuated the immediate area of the industrial estate to keep people safe. However, nearby residents homes have not been asked to evacuate but have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed. 

Several residents posted on social media about the loud explosion and resulting fire. One resident said the explosion caused her house to shake and described seeing a huge fireball. Another said they initially thought someone was trying to break in due to the loud noise and shaking. 

Nearby businesses and buildings also felt the impact. Mr. Joson O’Grady, who runs a martial arts and fitness center about 200 meters from the site, heard a massive bang and saw ceiling tiles fall inside his building. Staff evacuated quickly, and police restricted access to some nearby factories as a safety precaution.

A power outage has affected 77 properties in the surrounding area. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said they isolated power at a local substation to address a safety issue on their network caused by the explosion. They assured residents that there is no risk to their homes.

A large safety cordon remains in place around the scene, and local roads near the estate have been closed or partially restricted. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have emphasized that residents should avoid the area to enable emergency services to work effectively. 

Emergency crews will investigate the cause of the explosion once it is safe to do so. A fire investigation officer is already on site. Wiltshire Council said a response team is working alongside the emergency services to understand the incident and ensure public safety. 

Residents near Groundwell Industrial Estate are anxious as the cleanup and investigation proceed. Officials have asked for patience while they deal with the serious incident.

This explosion marks a major event for the Swindon area, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Local emergency responders continue to prioritize public safety as they work to bring the dangerous situation under control.