- Did YOU see the explosion? Email dan.woodland@dailymail.co.uk
An explosion at an industrial estate in Swindon sent huge clouds of smoke into the air, rattling nearby houses and igniting an intense blaze on site.
Locals reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ before spotting the blaze, with one saying they felt their house shake.
A huge orange smoke cloud could be seen for miles across Swindon following the blast.
Seven fire crews rushed to the scene on the Groundwell Industrial Estate at around 7.30pm on Wednesday.
More than five hours later, at 1am, fire crews were understood to still be tackling the inferno at the site.
The industrial estate was evacuated after the explosion in one of the units.
Residents have been warned to keep their windows and doors closed while firefighters continue to fight the blaze.
The crews cut power in the local area to allow firefighters to tackle the fire, it was scheduled to return at 1am.
A huge orange smoke cloud could be seen for miles across Swindon following the blast.
At 11.30pm a spokesperson confirmed that the response had been scaled back and four crews remained at the scene.
They said an investigation into the cause of the fire has begun and will continue into the morning.
The Industrial estate contains automotive businesses, a printing business, a martial arts centre as well as a children’s indoor soft play area.
One of the businesses, Swindon MOT Autocentre warned customers that they ‘do not know’ the state of their building.
In a statement on social media, the company wrote: ‘Just to make our customers aware several crews of firefighters from around Swindon and Wiltshire are battling a burning warehouse on our industrial estate very close to our building following an explosion.
‘At present we are not sure what tomorrow will look like or if there is an access to Groundwell industrial estate we have all been informed the electric is out on the whole estate, as soon as we know more we will be contacting customers and keeping you all up to date.
‘We appreciate you all understanding.’
A martial arts centre on the estate was hosting a class when the explosion occurred, ‘shaking’ their building.
The blaze was spotted from miles away
On social media, the business assured its followers that everyone was safely escorted out.
Swindon Martial Arts and Fitness Centre said: ‘Thanks for everyone’s concerns, the explosion shook the building but our coaches got everyone evacuated safely.
‘We will update tomorrow.’
At around 8pm, a police spokesperson said: ‘We are currently dealing with a serious incident at Groundwell Industrial Estate, Crompton Road.
‘An explosion has occurred in one of the industrial units and we are working alongside colleagues from the ambulance and fire service to make the area safe.
‘A large cordon is in place and Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive is currently closed.
‘Members of the public who live nearby should stay inside, close all windows and avoid the area of the industrial estate for their own safety.
‘We are working to evacuate the immediate area of the industrial estate but there is no need for residential dwellings to evacuate.’
