20 firefighters were taken to hospital after the Rettenden explosion.

20 firefighters were taken to hospital after the fire broke out in an industrial unit and spread to a fertilizer store, causing a massive explosion.

The fire service declared a major incident on Friday as more than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at Highland Farm near the village of Rettendon, Essex.

Three fire engines and two fire engines were destroyed in the fire.

Speaking at a media conference on Saturday, Essex Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton praised the firefighters for their “incredible professionalism, courage and commitment”.