An industrial estate in Swindon is being evacuated following a “serious” explosion at a warehouse. Emergency services, including police, ambulance crews, and firefighters, responded to the Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road at around 19:30 BST.
Wiltshire Police described the incident as “serious” and confirmed a large cordon has been put in place around the estate. A spokesperson said, “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.”
Residents living nearby have been advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed for their safety. The police added, “We are working to evacuate the immediate area of the industrial estate but there is no need for residential dwellings to evacuate.”
The force also confirmed road closures around the site, with Cricklade Road between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive shut off to traffic. The A419 remains open but may be affected as the situation develops.
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said they are tackling a large warehouse fire and currently have 10 fire engines along with specialist vehicles at the scene. Dozens of firefighters, police officers, and ambulance crews remain on site working to bring the blaze under control.
Local residents described hearing a loud bang that shook their homes before the fire erupted. The fire has created a massive plume of smoke that blankets the area, with flames seen shooting meters into the air. The scale of the blaze and the explosion has caused panic among locals, many of whom called emergency services.
Emergency officials have not yet confirmed whether there are any injuries, as their priority remains securing the scene and preventing further danger.
