Explosion at Swindon industrial estate triggers evacuations and fire

An explosion tore through an industrial unit at Groundwell Industrial Estate in Swindon on Wednesday evening, sparking a major fire that sent towering plumes of smoke across the town and prompted a large emergency response and local evacuations. The blast was reported shortly after 7pm and was followed by a blaze that emergency services continued to tackle into the early hours, officials and witnesses said.

Swindon Police said an explosion occurred in one of the industrial units on Crompton Road and officers were working alongside ambulance and fire crews to make the area safe. A large cordon was in place and Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive was closed. Authorities urged nearby residents to stay inside and close windows, while saying the immediate estate was being evacuated but there was no need for residential dwellings to leave. The A419 remained open, police added.

Witnesses described a loud bang that rattled homes across Swindon and left some people feeling their houses shake. One resident who gave his name as Azz said he and his wife were on the sofa when they heard a massive bang that vibrated their flat. He said they went outside and saw neighbours...