Swindon fire: Huge blaze erupts and explosions heard as thick smoke fills sky

A major fire has broken out at an industrial estate as witnesses reported their homesshaking from the impact of a "huge explosion" that rang out at the site.

The blaze erupted at the Groundwell Trading Estate in Swindonearlier this evening, where emergency crews are believed to have carried out an evacuation with a large cordon in place. Shocking images from the scene show bright orange flames tearing through the site with thick smoke rising into the sky, visible for miles. Emergency services remain on scene and have urged locals to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. It is unclear if anyone was hurt in the fire. Residents reported hearing a "loud bang" before the flames appeared, with one claiming their house shook from the impact

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A Wiltshire 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. The A419 remains open but should this change, we will update this post."

A council response team is now working with emergency services to respond to the explosion in Groundwell this evening, Councillor Jim Robbins said. "Work is going on to understand what happened, determine if anyone was hurt and make the area safe," he said. "Please give the Emergency Services space to carry out their work."

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "DWFRS are currently in attendance at a large fire in the Groundwell Industrial Estate in Swindon. Please keep clear of the area and keep windows and doors closed against the smoke. A local sub station has been isolated due to the incident."