Massive explosion at Swindon industrial estate rattles homes as fireball is spotted from miles away

An explosion at Groundwell Industrial Estate in Swindon on Wednesday evening sparked a large blaze and sent a tower of smoke into the sky, rattling nearby homes. The blast occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on the Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road, prompting a substantial emergency response that continued into the night.

Residents reported hearing a loud bang and felt their houses shake as flames engulfed at least one unit on the estate. A huge orange smoke cloud was visible for miles across Swindon, and seven fire crews were deployed to the scene. Local authorities evacuated the industrial estate and advised nearby residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed while firefighters fought the blaze. Power was cut in the wider area to aid the response, with restoration expected by about 1 a.m. according to officials on the ground.

At around 8 p.m., police confirmed a serious incident at Groundwell Industrial Estate and established a large cordon. Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive was closed, and residents were told to avoid the area for safety. Officials said there was no immediate need for residential dwellings to evacuate, though those nearby were urged to stay inside and keep windows shut as the response continued. The estate houses automotive businesses, a printing company, a martial arts centre, and a children’s indoor soft play area, a mix of commercial operations affected by the incident.

Swindon MOT Autocentre, one of the tenants on the estate, posted on social media to warn customers that firefighters were battling a burning warehouse on the industrial estate near their building, and that the electric grid for the estate had been knocked out. The company said it would provide updates as they became available and thanked customers for their understanding. Separately, Swindon Martial Arts and Fitness Centre confirmed that everyone on site had been evacuated safely as the blast shook the building during the class it was hosting.

As the night progressed, authorities scaled back the response. By 11:30 p.m., four crews remained on site as investigators began examining the cause of the fire. Firefighters continued to work to bring the blaze under control, with the remaining response focused on containment and ensuring public safety as daylight approached. Officials said the investigation would continue into the morning as investigators collect evidence and assess damage at the site.

There were no immediate reports of injuries in the information provided, and authorities stressed that the public should stay away from the area while conditions were hazardous. The focus remained on securing the scene and supporting any affected businesses and workers as the situation developed into the night.