Explosion destroys £1m of kit at family metalworks

A family-run metalworks lost equipment worth £1m when the business was destroyed in a dramatic explosion.

Flames tore through an industrial complex and spread to a fertiliser store at Highlands Farm, near Rettendon, Essex, triggering the blast on Friday.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze in Southend Road, which destroyed units including Metal Profiles' premises.

"It's flattened – the whole row of units where we are are gone," said Tony Maher, who works there with his three children and 16 members of staff.

"Every one of them has gone. There's nothing standing."

Fire crews were called to the blaze at 16:50 BST. The unit storing fertiliser exploded about an hour later.

Four firefighters were taken to hospital with minor injuries while a further 16 were treated for issues including hearing loss. All have since been discharged.

The blast was heard far and wide, with one witness likening it to a "sonic boom".

Maher found out about it when his son, who was on holiday, was sent a video of the fire and contacted him.

"We heard [the explosion] in Broomfield, but I didn't think it was that," he said.

"Then I got the video and we knew straight away then that was it, finished. That's the business depot closed down."

He said it was "a shock" to also lose £1m of equipment inside the unit.

Another to have his business damaged was Sam Dimond, of audiovisual events company Spotlight Sound.

Dimond was on the phone to a colleague when he saw a huge blast of smoke go up.

"We could see the flames, we could see the smoke," he recalled.

"We were really concerned. There were people on the site. It was unbelievable to see what happened."

Kim Turner, of critical care charity Basics Essex, said a car and supplies had been destroyed by the flames but she praised the community for rallying round.

"We've had some really, really lovely offers, lovely messages and we're looking to move forward," she said.

"Seeing how the community has come together in this area is really humbling."

Southend Road remained shut on Monday as fire crews continued to monitor the scene.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said "a comprehensive multi-agency investigation", involving the Health and Safety Executive, had begun.

They praised the courage of crews who showed "exceptional commitment in extremely challenging circumstances".

Chelmsford City Council has offered emergency support measures to those affected via its website.

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