Overview

• An evening blast at around 7:30pm BST in a single unit on Crompton Road ignited a major fire that sent smoke and a shockwave across Swindon.
• Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue initially deployed about 10 engines with specialist vehicles, using an aerial ladder platform, a water tower and ground monitors.
• Wiltshire Police established a wide cordon, evacuated the estate and urged nearby residents to stay indoors with windows closed; Cricklade Road was closed between Queensfield and Thamesdown Drive while the A419 remained open.
• Overnight the response was scaled back but crews stayed on scene, a fire investigation officer was present and no injuries had been confirmed.
• Businesses reported disruption including a power cut to the estate, classes and workplaces were cleared safely and doorbell footage captured the explosion’s shockwave.