The United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive has opened a formal investigation into a fire and subsequent explosion at Highlands Farm near Rettendon, Essex.
The agency said it was notified of the incident by Essex County Fire & Rescue Service on July 24 after a fire and blast occurred at an industrial unit on the farm.
Since receiving notification, HSE inspectors have been coordinating with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, which is leading the response, and Essex Police to gather information about the incident and ongoing operations at the site.
The investigation will determine whether any workplace health and safety regulations were breached. That includes examining factors that may have contributed to the fire and explosion, as well as other aspects related to the site and the emergency response.
As part of the investigation, HSE inspectors are interviewing residents, examining the scene and working with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service so specialists can safely access the site to determine the cause of the explosion.
HSE said its investigation remains focused on identifying any potential violations of workplace health and safety regulations while continuing to cooperate closely with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service as crews work to bring the site to a safe resolution.
Source: Health and Safety Executive, "Update on investigation into Highlands Farm incident"