Treforest fire – latest: Body found after ‘fireball’ erupts in South Wales industrial estate explosion
Witnesses saw a ‘fireball’ like explosion that felt ‘like an earthquake’ at around 7pm on Wednesday night
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A body has been found after an explosion at an industrial estate in South Wales.
A major incident was declared after residents reported feeling “explosions like an earthquake” as a large blaze broke out on Severn Road, Treforest.
One witness shopping in a nearby Tesco told The Independent that they saw a “very large fireball” that “shook the car park”.
Carys Elizabeth, 26, said: “I witnessed the fire from the Tesco car park. As I was walking to my car I heard the most horrific bang and the car park shook.
“The flames and fire were unimaginable. When I was driving past the estate a lady approached my car and said they were clearing the area as the gym and tile place had gone up in flames.”
The council worker added that they initially thought the noise may have been a lorry crash on the A470.
South Wales Police said explosions at the property were heard shortly after 7pm and although there are no reports of any serious injuries, one person remains unaccounted for.
Following the fire, several roads in the area will remain closed today.
What we know so far about the major incident
A major incident has been declared in South Wales after a major explosion happened at Treforest industrial estate near to Pontypridd.
South Wales Police said its officers were at the scene of a “serious incident” in Severn Road in Treforest, a village outside Pontypridd - and that roads around the estate had been closed.
Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.
The explosion is believed to have taken place at Mindset Functional Fitness centre.
One witness shared on Facebook: “We were outside the pottery going in when it happened. Literally thought a bomb had gone off.”
‘Large plumes of smoke'
A reporter for LBC who is at the industrial estate in Severn Road, Treforest says he can see large plumes of smoke coming from the fire which he believes is close to a gym.
Ambulances and fire engines were in attendance at the scene, he added, while a helicopter could be seen flying overhead.
But still very little is known about the source of the fire, the damage caused and if there are any injuries.
Another picture from the scene
Witnesses describe the scary scenes
Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, told the BBC: “It felt like it was an earthquake or something. We went outside and there was a fire starting to build up, it was a huge fire and smoke.”
Jonny Foxhall, 36, the owner of nearby music venue Green Rooms, told the broadcaster: “Our front door was flung open so we went out to see what had happened. We could see a smoke cloud and an orange glow from above the treeline quickly followed by flames.”
Karen Coles from Pontypridd said: “Never been so scared hearing of the explosion down Treforest industrial estate when Rhys’s football team were training. They are all fine never seen so many emergency services , hope everyone is safe.”
Another witness posted on Facebook: “We were outside the pottery going in when it happened. Literally thought a bomb had gone off.”
All hospitals in local area on major incident alert
Dr Dave Jones says all hospitals in the area are on standby to deal with the incident and potential injuries.
Swansea Bay NHS said: “Because of the explosion and fire in Treforest, all major hospitals in S. Wales including Morriston are on major incident alert. Avoid Morriston unless you have a v. serious illness or injury.
“The Minor Injury Unit @ NPTH is remaining open this evening if you have a minor injury. “
Everything we know about the explosion so far
A major incident has been declared by South Wales Police after a fire broke out at an industrial estate in South Wales tonight.
South Wales Police said its officers were at the scene of a “serious incident” in Severn Road in Treforest, a village outside Pontypridd - and that roads around the estate had been closed.
Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.
The BBC reported how eyewitnesses heard a “massive explosion” and local authorities are warning residents to avoid the area.
Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, said: “It felt like it was an earthquake or something. We went outside and there was a fire starting to build up, it was a huge fire and smoke.”
Read the full story here
Major incident declared after ‘massive explosion’ at South Wales industrial estate
Emergency services are at the scene of a fire in Treforest in South Wales
‘Tattoo studio destroyed by fire’
A woman who works at a tattoo studio at the industrial estate in south Wales said the business has been “destroyed” by the fire.
Tattoo artist Lucy Artiss, 40, who works at Sixteen Circles in Rizla House on Treforest Industrial Estate, said: “What I know is the explosion destroyed the entrance. Our tattoo shop is destroyed as well as the gym.
“I left just before it happened so I didn’t witness it,” she said, adding that her coworker, his client and gym staff “all managed to get out of the fire exit”.
“It was a lovely place, had a wonderful family feel to it. I’m gutted to have lost that.”
One person unaccounted for after explosion
One person is unaccounted for, at least one building has been destroyed and a major incident was declared after an explosion at an industrial estate in South Wales.
Flames and smoke were seen after a fire broke out at a property on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, at around 7pm on Wednesday.
The two-storey building was “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse”, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.
Three people were treated at the scene before they were discharged, a Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said.
Local NHS emergency departments were on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.
There are no reports of any serious injuries, however one person remains unaccounted for, South Wales Police said.
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