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Crews called to refinery 'blast' Crews called to refinery 'blast'
(10 minutes later)
Emergency services have been called to a fire at an oil refinery in Essex amid reports of an explosion. Emergency services are at the scene of a fire at an oil refinery in Essex amid reports of an explosion.
A call came in shortly before 1130 GMT about an incident at the Coryton refinery, near Stanford le Hope. Crews were called to the incident at the Petroplus Coryton refinery, near Stanford le Hope, at about 1130 GMT.
Essex Fire and Rescue service said reports of an explosion had not been confirmed. Essex Fire Service said the fire was on the ground floor of a tower and flames were 100ft (30.5m) up a column.
The service said that 10 fire appliances and seven special units were called to the scene. Reports of an explosion are yet to be confirmed but 10 appliances and seven special units are at the scene, and a major foam attack is in progress.
'Almighty explosion'
Marion Coleman, who lives on Canvey Island, told BBC Essex: "There was a massive explosion.
"Our house shook, all the windows rattled and there were flames rising to the height of the chimneys at Coryton.
"Black smoke was billowing up into the sky."
Castle Point councillor Ray Howard, who lives nearby, added: "Some almighty explosion occurred - it shook my house.
"The next thing, all I saw was huge flames and smoke coming from the refinery."
The borough's Emergency Planning Officer has been called to the scene.