Gas blast fear at cordoned estate

A standing water jet is directed over the ruptured gas main

A two-mile exclusion zone has been set up around an industrial estate in Essex after flames from a burning car spread to a gas supply sub-station.

Firefighters were called early on Wednesday to deal with a car on fire in woodland near to Southfields Industrial Estate in Basildon.

The vehicle was parked over a gas main and the blaze caused a gas leak with flames shooting 40ft (12m) in the air.

The two-mile square exclusion zone only covers the industrial estate.

Essex Police said that people have been prevented from going onto the estate.

Metre checks

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said the estate will not be reopening on Wednesday and a phased entry onto the site may begin on Thursday.

Gas engineers are trying to locate the underground valve to close off supply to the pipe.

"The fire has affected the interchanger which reduces the pressure from the larger gas main to the smaller pipes which carry gas supply to the estate," the fire service spokesman said.

"This means there could be problems with ruptures on gas meters and pipes throughout the estate and all will have to be checked before people can return to work.

"Key holders for businesses are being contacted to assist in entry to building to check the gas infrastructure."