A former kickboxing champion and father of one, Simon Hillier, died along with another unnamed victim after thousands of rockets exploded at the SP Fireworks warehouse on Friday night.
Four others were injured with one person critically ill in hospital.
Other employees escaped unharmed after a terrifying rush to the exits amid exploding fireworks. Some reported breaking hinges off doors to escape after the ceiling collapsed.
“We were just about to leave our office and there was a loud bang,” said Sam Johnson, an employee at River Canal Rescue, which was based at a building two units away from the source of the explosion.
“I saw the ceiling drop down in front of my eyes, I thought we’d be crushed.
‘We tried to escape but unfortunately we couldn’t get the door to open. I just wanted to get out at the time. It was hard to breathe – I thought I was a goner.
“Another member of staff forced our way through another door. It was really scary. We just ran for our lives. When we were in the office, there was three feet of smoke in the air and fireworks shooting all over the place.”
Detectives have released a 53-year-old who had initially been arrested in connection with the incident.
Debris from the fire landed on cars around the factory, setting many alight.
The factory has effectively been destroyed.
Firefighters from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service have issued fresh advice to revellers who plan to set off fireworks on 5 November.
“Every year, we receive emergency calls from residents who are concerned that bonfires are not being properly controlled and might spread, and to incidents which involve people playing with fireworks,” said Station Manager John Robinson.
“As well as exposing people to unnecessary risks, there is always a danger that these incidents will stretch our resources in the event of other emergencies such as house fires.
“The safest bet is to go to a properly organised public display, but if you are making other arrangements then the information we are making available will help you do it safely and responsibly.”
Here are the tips for staying safe on fireworks night from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service:
Bonfire safety
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