'Massive fireballs' seen for miles in Kent as chickens killed by explosion on farm

Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident near Maidstone
Pixabay
Rebecca Speare-Cole21 April 2020

"Massive fireballs" and "huge explosions" have been seen near Maidstone in Kent as firefighters responded to an explosion on a farm.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to an incident on a farm in Knowle Hill, Ulcombe, on Tuesday.

Firefighters said the blaze has now been put out and crews are damping down any remaining hot spots, however a number of chickens were killed.

They said that gas cylinders exploded after the fire broke out resulting in "loud bangs heard by the local community."

There are no reported human casualties, the fire brigade said.

Two fire engines and a bulk water carrier were dispatched to the scene with firefighters tacking the inferno with hose reel jets.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

It comes as witnesses nearby said they saw "massive fireballs" and "huge explosions".

One man wrote: "Huge explosions near me in Kent near Ashford/Maidstone.

"Massive fireballs. Seen from four miles away. Anyone know anything?”

He later added: “I’m near Ulcombe in Kent. Walking east from Sutton Valence.

“Three explosions. First had a fireball at least 250/300ft high. I’m guessing I was four miles away.”

Another woman wrote: "Any news on huge explosions heard near Kingswood/Ukcombe?"

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