Mushroom cloud blocks out the sun after intense Rushden fire rips through building

A large fire broke out at a recycling facility in Rushden, near Northampton, shortly before 6:30 AM, producing a thick plume of smoke visible for miles. Firefighters are on the scene with multiple fire engines and equipment to combat the blaze, which involved a significant amount of plastic; the building had been evacuated prior to their arrival. Authorities have closed a section of Wellingborough Road and advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the heavy smoke.