Wedding Photographer Narrowly Escapes Essex Industrial Estate Explosion

Scott Johnson, a wedding photographer, narrowly escaped injury when a fertiliser unit exploded at Highlands Farm industrial estate in Essex, destroying his studio. Johnson had just left his studio when the blast occurred, throwing him against the door. He described the scene as 'literally out of a movie.' Over 100 firefighters responded, with 20 treated for injuries and later discharged. Johnson's studio was severely damaged, but with the help of his assistant, he was able to fulfill a wedding booking the next day.

Johnson recounted his experience: 'I closed the door, and then the explosion happened, and it threw me against the door - everything was raining down on me... It was like witnessing something that is literally out of a movie... I'm completely unscathed apart from a bit of a dodgy ear from the pressure - but how I've got away with it unscathed I have no idea.'

The fire service declared a major incident. Johnson had driven to his studio for a meeting, noticing the fire on the horizon. He began removing equipment before the explosion. A unit housing fertiliser exploded, blowing him into the door. He sought safety in his van and later drove to a secure location, where ambulance crews checked him over. Despite the shock, Johnson managed to work the next day with his assistant's help.