Huge Blaze Erupts at Basildon Leisure Park
Essex firefighters have been scrambling to tackle a massive fire at Festival Leisure park in Basildon. The inferno broke out just after 12.20am on Sunday, ripping through a packaging warehouse near the Quays pub.
Roads Shut as Explosions Rock the Area
Police swiftly closed the A127 in both directions—westbound off at Mayflower and eastbound at the A176—causing chaos for commuters. Locals reported several loud bangs, with thick black smoke billowing over Basildon.
100 Firefighters Battle Blazing Warehouse Collapse
A building has collapsed next to the pub, while two more explosions have rocked the scene. An estimated 100 firefighters from across Essex are on-site, supported by 15 fire engines and specialist vehicles including Water Bowsers and USAR units.
A spokeswoman from Essex Fire and Rescue said: “Fifteen fire engines and specialist appliances are at the scene of a large fire at a packaging warehouse in Basildon. The warehouse, measuring approximately 100m by 50m, is completely alight and the fire is also affecting the next door warehouse. Firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control.”
Emergency services continue their relentless fight against the blaze. More updates to follow.
