A powerful explosion shook Essex County in Great Britain on Friday afternoon, after a large fire broke out at an industrial factory on Southend Road, between the East Hanningfield and Rettendon areas.

Over 100 firefighters have been engaged in the operation to extinguish the flames, while thick clouds of black smoke have covered the area and are visible from miles away.

According to residents, several loud explosions were heard shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time, while emergency services have described the event as a ‘serious incident’.

Witnesses said the sound of the explosion was heard up to about 24 kilometers away, with some initially thinking it was a sonic boom.

One resident reported on social media that the shock wave caused damage even to a relative’s home.

Aerial footage from the scene shows several industrial buildings and vehicles engulfed in flames, while dozens of fire trucks and ambulances continue to operate in the area.

So far there is no official information on victims or injuries, while authorities are investigating the causes of the explosion.

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