Authorities in the UK had previously announced plans to open a major drone manufacturing plant in Swindon. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
A powerful explosion occurred in the industrial area of the British town of Swindon, according to Sky News. Just last week, UK authorities had announced their intention to open a significant drone production facility in the same town.
National authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of what exploded. Emergency services received a call yesterday around 8:00 PM local time (10:00 PM Moscow time).
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that at least ten fire engines are on site, police have evacuated residents from nearby areas, and ambulance crews are also present.
Additionally, roads around the incident site were closed, and local network operator Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reported power outages in the vicinity. The operator attributed this to “network safety issues.” According to the BBC, electricity supply has now been restored.
“The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing,” a representative from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stated, adding that their personnel battled the blaze throughout the night. Residents living near the site were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Many locals took to social media, reporting that they felt their homes shake from the blast, while some motorists captured the moment of the explosion on dashcam footage. Video from city cameras suggests the building where the explosion occurred was occupied by the printing company ESP Smile. Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, commented that they were “very lucky” the explosion happened in the evening when there were fewer people at the industrial site.
The large-scale drone manufacturing plant is scheduled to open in Swindon next year. According to UK Defence Secretary John Healey, the facility will span approximately 24,000 square meters and is expected to create around one thousand jobs.
The plant is owned by Tekever. Previously, UK authorities had purchased drones from the company for Ukraine, totaling approximately $360 million.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth