Emergency services arrive at ‘major incident’ explosion in Treforest
(@Jo_Reggelt )
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A major incident has been declared following an “explosion” at an industrial estate in South Wales.
Flames and smoke were seen after the fire broke out in Severn Road, Treforest, on Wednesday evening.
Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.
South Wales Police said: “We are at the scene of a serious incident on Severn Road, Treforest.
“The roads around the industrial estate are currently closed and are expected to remain as such for some time.”
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “Due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Industrial Estate this evening, all of our emergency departments are currently on high alert.
“Please help us by not attending A&E unless absolutely necessary. We need to be able to provide care to those who need it the most.”
Jonny Foxhall, 36, the owner of nearby music venue Green Rooms, told the PA news agency: “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.”
He added: “To feel the shockwave from the explosion is something I’ve never experienced before.”
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.”
Lydia Patrick14 December 2023 00:30
Another picture from the scene
Police and ambulances in attendance at the fire in Treforest
(PA)
Alex Ross13 December 2023 22:50
‘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.
Alex Ross13 December 2023 22:49
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.”
Lydia Patrick13 December 2023 22:34
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
