Residents describe homes shaking after a massive warehouse explosion in Swindon Industrial Estate

A massive explosion tore through a warehouse on Swindon’s Groundwell Industrial Estate, sending a towering fireball into the night sky and leaving nearby residents shaken and terrified. Emergency services raced to the scene on Wednesday evening after reports of a blast shortly after 7.30pm.

Police, firefighters, and ambulance crews converged on the industrial estate as thick plumes of smoke rose high above the town. Wiltshire Police confirmed that the immediate area was being evacuated, with urgent warnings for locals to stay indoors, shut windows, and steer clear of the site. The force insisted there was no need for a wider evacuation, but stressed the risks remained significant as crews fought to contain the blaze.

At least 10 fire engines and specialist units, including an aerial ladder platform and water carriers, were dispatched to battle the flames. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service described the situation as a “large warehouse fire” and said crews were working tirelessly to bring it under control.

Witnesses described the moment the blast ripped through the estate, shaking homes across Swindon and sparking panic in surrounding streets.

Chloe Hackett, who lives nearby, wrote on social media: “Massive explosion. My house literally shook. Huge fireball. Really hope there is no one hurt and hope the emergency services keep safe from harm.”

Another resident, Angela Willis, said the noise was so loud she thought someone was trying to break into her home. “I wondered what that huge noise was. Shook my doors. I hope all ok for those involved and hoping nobody got hurt,” she wrote.

Others echoed the same horror. One resident said: “I literally felt the whole house shake. Swindon is literally on fire.”

As news spread, images and videos flooded social media, showing fierce orange flames clawing at the night sky and sending smoke billowing across the industrial estate. The glow from the fire could be seen miles away, fuelling fears that the blaze might spread further.

Police urged people to remain calm but stay away from the area. “We are working to evacuate the immediate area for safety reasons. Please keep windows closed and avoid travelling to the scene,” a spokesperson said.

The scale of the incident meant major roads around the industrial estate were cordoned off, with traffic diverted as firefighters established safety perimeters. Paramedics stood by at the scene, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Locals said the explosion could be heard across several neighbourhoods, with some describing the shockwave as strong enough to rattle doors and windows. For many, it was an experience unlike anything they had ever felt in their community.

The Groundwell Industrial Estate, located in the north of Swindon, is home to a number of warehouses and businesses. It is not yet clear which premises were directly affected or what caused the explosion. Fire crews remained on site late into the night, continuing to douse the flames and monitor the structure for any risk of collapse.

The emergency services have promised further updates once the site is safe, but for residents, the memory of the blast will linger. What began as an ordinary evening turned into chaos as a sudden roar, a violent shake, and a wall of fire tore through an otherwise quiet corner of Swindon.

For now, the town waits anxiously for confirmation on the extent of the damage—and hopes that no lives were lost in the inferno.