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Warehouse explosion caused by machine failure

Bea SwallowWest of England
News imageBBC The warehouse which was destroyed in the blaze. It is a large corrugated metal building with shutters at the front, which have been scorched and blackened in the fire. A firefighter is walking past the front.BBC
The explosion was caused by a machine failure at a printing business

An explosion which caused a huge blaze that ripped through a warehouse was started accidentally, a fire service says.

Police, ambulance and firefighters were called to Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road in Swindon, Wiltshire, at about 19:30 BST on 24 September.

A large cordon was established and nearby buildings were evacuated. Fire crews stayed behind for two days to ensure any remaining hotspots were extinguished.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed the cause of the explosion and fire is believed to be accidental and due to the failure of a printing machine.

The warehouse was being used by a printing business named ESP Smile, the BBC confirmed by verifying video footage of the aftermath.

At the height of the blaze, DWFRS said it had 12 fire engines at the scene, along with other specialist vehicles.

Further investigations are now being undertaken by the Health & Safety Executive, the fire service added.

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