UK's Largest Grain Terminal Reports Massive Explosion

A silo explosion lifted the roof of the Tilbury Grain Terminal on the River Thames estuary Friday morning causing massive damage, local media report.

Tilbury is ranked as the largest grain terminal in the United Kingdom. Essex Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to an incident at Tilbury Docks shortly before 10 a.m. when an explosion sent flames nearly 75 meters above the silos, eyewitnesses report.

On arrival, firefighters found grain in a silo was on fire. Crews made sure the fire was under control but allowed the grain to smoulder.

Two crews, from Grays and Orsett, remain at the scene and are working with site managers to remove the unaffected grain from the silo so it does not ignite.
 
Crews are working with site managers to get the site back up and running and are liaising with Port of Tilbury Police to allow businesses back to their premises at the appropriate time, watch manager Dave Bond said.
 
“We’ve now reduced the number of crews needed to two, and these firefighters will continue to remove unaffected grain and allow the grain to smoulder in the top of the grain silo,” Bond said.