Fire crews extinguishing hotspots at explosion site

A police officer standing in front of a warehouse at an industrial estate following an explosion and fire. The officer is wearing a black police hat and a high vis jacket. There is a blue police sign on the ground. Smoke can be seen in the background as well as equipment from the fire crews.
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Emergency services were called to Groundwell Industrial Estate on Wednesday night

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Fire crews are continuing to extinguish the remaining hotspots following an explosion that caused a huge blaze at a warehouse.

Emergency services were called to Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road in Swindon, Wiltshire, at about 19:30 BST on Wednesday. At the height of the incident, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue (DWFRS) said it had 12 fire engines at the scene, along with other specialist vehicles.

The fire service confirmed its stop came in at 00:29 BST, but further inspections are being carried out this morning.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way. Emergency services confirmed that nobody was hurt in the incident.

Nearby buildings were evacuated quickly after the fire broke out.

DWFRS station manager Robbie MacPherson said the prompt response from crews prevented the flames from spreading to adjoining properties.

In a statement released on Thursday, DWFRS said there was "low risk" of asbestos from the explosion, but anybody with respiratory conditions was advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.

Drone footage shows a series of industrial units in the dark. In the middle is one unit on fire with red flames and smoke coming from the topImage source, Toomey Safety Services Ltd
Image caption,

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way

As a precautionary measure, DWFRS also advised residents to avoid touching any debris and to instead report any that had landed on private property or surrounding land to Swindon Borough Council.

The building at the site of the explosion was being used by a printing business called ESP Smile, the BBC confirmed by verifying video footage of the aftermath.

The company has been approached for comment.

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