Massive explosion at Swindon industrial estate rattles homes; fireball seen from miles away
Seven fire crews battle a blaze at Groundwell Industrial Estate as residents are told to stay indoors and the area evacuated.
An explosion at the Groundwell Industrial Estate in Swindon sparked a large blaze and sent a plume of orange smoke into the sky, rattling nearby homes and prompting immediate safety warnings for residents. Police said people should stay indoors with doors and windows closed as firefighters worked to contain the fire. The blast was reported around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and witnesses described hearing a loud bang before the flames took hold.
Seven fire crews rushed to the scene and worked through the evening to contain the inferno that took hold in one of the industrial units on Crompton Road. Officials evacuated the estate and advised residents to stay away from windows; a power cut across the area was enacted to assist firefighting, with power expected to be restored by about 1 a.m.
Swindon MOT Autocentre, one business on the estate, posted on social media that it did not yet know the status of its building and that customers would be kept updated as information became available and if there was access to the estate. The post said the electric had been cut to the estate.
Swindon Martial Arts and Fitness Centre confirmed that everyone was evacuated safely as coaches led people out of the building when the explosion occurred.
By around 8 p.m., a police spokesperson said authorities were dealing with a serious incident at Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road. A large cordon was in place and Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive was closed. Officers told members of the public nearby to remain indoors and avoid the area to stay safe, while emergency crews worked to secure the site.
At about 11:30 p.m., officials said the response had been scaled back and four fire crews remained on site. An investigation into the cause of the explosion had begun and would continue into the morning as investigators collected evidence and assessed the blaze.
Groundwell Industrial Estate houses a mix of automotive businesses, a printing company, a martial arts centre and a children's indoor soft play area. The blast and ensuing fire disrupted activity on the estate and prompted questions about potential risks to nearby residents.
Authorities cautioned that the situation remained fluid and that officials would provide updates as more information became available. No injuries had been confirmed publicly as responders continued to work through the night.