AN explosion followed by a huge fire has torn through a Redditch roofing business resulting in one person being hospitalised and others injured.

The major blaze, which could be seen from areas as far away as Wythall, engulfed RM Contractors in Park Farm Industrial Estate on Pipers Road, last Friday about 12.20pm.

Four fire engines from Hereford and Worcestershire as well as two from Warwickshire were called out in an attempt to get the fire under control.

One person was treated for facial injuries at the Alexandra Hospital.

Resident Donna Grimshaw, who captured the acrid plumes of smoke rising into the air from the field on Icknield Street Drive, said she heard explosions then saw a long cloud of smoke rising into the air.

“We thought it must be a bad fire as we could see the smoke from where we were,” she said.

Concerned people living near to the estate were advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut as police quickly closed Washford Drive Road and Pipers Road.

They were also on hand to help with the evacuation of staff from the business park.

Clouds of smoke from the fire could be seen all over town, including in areas of Studley and Wythall.

Three monitors and two main jets had to be used to put out the blaze.

A hazard and risk management officer and a representative from Environmental Protection were also present.

Ambulance and fire crews stayed at the scene until about 3pm due to concern surrounding acetylene gas cylinders, which were believed to be stored on site.

It is believed the explosion happened after an equipment electrical fault ignited with nearby diesel.

A police spokesman said that the fire is not being treated as suspicious.