Wales explosion: Body found after ‘fireball’ erupts in Treforest estate …
Treforest: Huge smoke cloud fills sky as fire rages after 'explosion' in South Wales
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One person is missing and at least one building has been destroyed after an explosion[1] at an industrial estate in South Wales[2].
A major incident has been declared after residents reported feeling “explosions like an earthquake” as a large blaze broke out on Severn Road, Treforest.[3]
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.
Show latest update 1702563348Car showroom closed in wake of explosion
A Hyundai and Vauxhall showroom on the Treforest industrial estate has been closed until further notice following the massive blaze last night.
It is believed that at least 13 businesses have been affected by the blaze, including a gym, a tattoo shop and a pet shop.
Emergency services responded to reports of explosions at 7pm last night. No major injuries have been reported but one person remains unaccounted for.
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 14:15
[4]1702560648‘Very difficult week’ ahead for community
Communities in the South Wales Valleys have had a “very difficult week”, the Labour MP for Pontypridd said.
“This has been a very difficult week for Pontypridd and Taff-Ely,” Alex Davies-Jones told the House of Commons.
“Last night a serious fire and explosion in Treforest occurred and sadly one person is still unaccounted for.”
The Labour MP also spoke of Monday night’s tragic car crash in Tonyrefail, which killed three young boys.
She added: “Our emergency services have acted exemplary in both situations and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone who ran towards the danger and tried to help.”
Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones
(UK Parliament)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 13:30
[5]1702557948Fundraiser launched for business devastated by explosion
A fundraiser has been launched to help support the businesses “devastated” by last night’s blaze in an industrial estate in South Wales.
The gofundme has already raised over £3,000 with proceeds going towards Mindset Gym, Distinctive Tattoo Studio, RM Massage and Andrew Cox barbering.
Emergency services were called to Treforest industrial estate last night after reports of an explosion at Mindset Gym.
The gofundme[7] reads: “Our tight-knit community has recently faced an unimaginable tragedy – a devastating fire that has left some local businesses in ruins.
“The flames not only consumed the structure that housed our dreams but also took away the livelihoods of the hardworking individuals who poured their hearts and souls into a place we called our second home.”
It added: “In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, we find ourselves standing together in the face of adversity, determined to rise from the ashes. The road to recovery is long, but with your help, these businesses can rebuild.”
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 12:45
[6]1702555351Police and fire service investigating cause of fire
A joint police, fire and health and safety investigation team is currently working to determine the cause of the fire.
A joint statement from South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service read that the team is now on site to determine the cause of the explosion, which witnesses described as a “fireball”.
While there are no reports of any serious injuries, one person remains unaccounted for.
“The fire is now largely extinguished, with small pockets of fire remaining. Some roads and businesses in the area will still be affected,” the statement read.
“Six pumping appliances, several other appliances and crews remain in attendance. A High Volume Pump had been drawing water from the River Taff, although this has been scaled back and is planned to be withdrawn by around midday, to enable the opening of more roads, which will further alleviate traffic in the area.”
They added: “A joint investigation team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive are now on site to determine the cause of the fire.”
(EPA)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 12:02
[8]1702552040Nearby businesses doors ‘flung open’ in explosion
The owner of a music venue nearby the Treforest industrial estate said their doors were “flung open” from the impact of the explosion.
Around 13 businesses are thought to have been affected by the blaze, which saw a major incident declared last night,
Jonny Foxhall, 36, said the impact of the shockwave was something he had “never experienced before”.
“Our front door was flung open so we went out to see what had happened,” the owner of Green Rooms said.
“We could see a smoke cloud and an orange glow from above the treeline quickly followed by flames.”
He added: “To feel the shockwave from the explosion is something I’ve never experienced before.”
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 11:07
[9]1702550026Medical appointments cancelled following blaze
Some diabetic eye screening appointments have had to be cancelled in South Wales today as the region faces the disruption following last night’s explosion.
Public Health Wales said the cancellations were due to the closure of their main diabetic eye screening office, based in Treforest.
“A road closure following the incident at Treforest Industrial Estate last night means that our staff cannot access the building,” they said on X.
“As a result, they are unable to collect the equipment they need. Everyone who is impacted by the cancellation of today’s clinics will be informed directly.”
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 10:33
[10]1702548948Pet shop closed following explosion
A pet shop on the industrial estate that suffered an explosion last night said they have closed due to the incident.
Petwise Reptiles is among the 13 businesses thought to have been affected by the blaze.
Last night, the store said they were “unaffected so far” but this morning updated customers to say they would be closed until further notice.
A social media post read: “Due to the ongoing incident with our neighbours on Severn Road we will be closed untill further notice. Further updates to follow, our thoughts are with the missing person.”
(Google Maps)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 10:15
[11]1702547892Pictures from the scene
(EPA)
(PA)
(EPA)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 09:58
[12]1702545893Latest police update
South Wales Police have issued their latest statement this morning on the Treforest fire.
Emergency services remain on the scene where a “fireball explosion” was seen at 7pm last night.
“Emergency services remain at the scene of a fire at a premises on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taff. This follows reports of an explosion at a property shortly after 7:00pm last night,” the statement reads.
“There are no reports of any serious injuries. However, one person remains unaccounted for.”
(EPA)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 09:24
[13]1702544809Witness says car park “shook” following ”fireball explosion”
A woman shopping in a nearby Tesco said the car park “shook” following a “horrific bang”.
Carys Elizabeth, 26, described the explosion she witnessed in Treforest as a “large fireball” followed by “unimaginable flames”
The council worker told The Independent: “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.”
She added: “Everyone in the car park thought [the sound] was a truck on the A470. It was a very large fireball.”
Carys Elizabeth pictured the blaze after seeing a “large fireball” explode on the industrial estate
(Supplied)
Athena Stavrou14 December 2023 09:06
[14]References
- ^ explosion (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ South Wales (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ Severn Road, Treforest. (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702563348 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702560648 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702557948 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ gofundme (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ 1702555351 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702552040 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702550026 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702548948 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702547892 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702545893 (www.independent.co.uk)
- ^ 1702544809 (www.independent.co.uk)