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.
Body found in search after ‘fireball’ explosion at South Wales industrial estate
One person still unaccounted for after fire and explosion at industrial estate
Major incident declared after ‘massive explosion’ at South Wales industrial estate
Treforest: Huge smoke cloud fills sky as fire rages after ‘explosion’ in South Wales
Medical 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.”
Nearby 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.”
Police 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.”
Fundraiser 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 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.”
‘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.”
Car 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.
Treforest barber ‘not sure if anything left standing’ as building explodes
A barber based in the Treforest industrial estate that suffered a “fireball explosion” last night says is “completely clueless” as to what’s left of his business.
Andrew Cox, who owns Andrew Cox Barbering, is based inside Mindset Gym which reported an explosion to South Wales police at 7pm last night.
Mr Cox said he is “frantically trying to figure out what the next steps” were in a social media post.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to notify all my customers that the building underneath the mindset gym where I am based has exploded last night,” he said.
“The gym is heartbreakingly no longer accessible together with all the businesses inside including Andrew Cox Barbering. No body is allowed near the vicinity so I am completely clueless as to what is still standing, if anything.”
Council issue update
Main roads around Treforest industrial estate are beginning to open up, the council have said in their latest update.
Emergency services remain on the scene of the fire, which started with a “fireball explosion” on Wednesday night, according to witnesses.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “Main routes around Treforest Industrial Estate, including Power Station Hill are now open. Motorists are advised to drive through the area cautiously as there is still significant activity around the site.
“Emergency services remain at the scene of the fire, and some roads around the incident site remain closed (Severn Road/top of Taffs Mead Road) to allow investigations to continue and maintain public safety. Please don’t visit the area unless needed to allow emergency services to undertake their duties.”
They added that they will continue to work with partners to undertake investigations and thanked the community for their cooperation.
Pictures: Emergency services remain on scene
Emergency services are still on the scene of Treforest industrial estate after an “explosion” and huge fire broke out last night.
Police and fire services are working together to determine the cause of the blaze.
Body has been found after fire
South Wales Police said a body was found on Thursday in a search of the Treforest Industrial Estate site following a fire and explosion on Wednesday evening.
The force said identification has not yet been completed but specialist officers are supporting the family of the person who was unaccounted for.
Detective Superintendent Richard Jones of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the missing person.
“Now that the fire has been brought under control, we will move to the investigative phase to find out what caused this explosion and subsequent fire.
“Roads are gradually being re-opened although some roads and businesses in the area will still be affected.
“I want to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this incident is being dealt with.”
A joint investigation team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive are on site to determine the cause of the fire.
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