UPDATE 12.05am: Since this article was published, the major incident alert has been stood down by the Welsh Ambulance Service and the relevant health boards, as they are no longer required to treat patients at the scene and can reallocate their resources to emergencies in the community.
All of Wales’ biggest hospitals in south Wales are said to be on ‘major incident alert’ tonight following an explosion on an industrial estate on Wednesday, December 13. A fire broke out on Severn Way in Treforest Industrial Estate at around 7pm and prompted a large-scale emergency services response.
People nearby reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ and feeling their houses shake. Police told people to avoid the area due to a ‘serious incident.’ They, along with the fire and ambulance service, were seen heading for the site in large numbers. The fire was still raging shortly before 11pm.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles and the Hazardous Area Response Team had been sent to the scene. It said a major incident had been declared because the resources needed to respond had compromised the ambulance service’s ability to get to other patients in the community. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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At the time of writing, it is not known if anyone has been injured. Swansea Bay University Health Board, responsible for the NHS in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said “all major hospitals in south Wales” were on major incident alert, including Morriston.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board previously said all of its emergency departments were on high alert, urging people to “help us by not attending A&E unless absolutely necessary,” adding: “We need to be able to provide care to those who need it the most.” The minor injury unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital remains open until further notice.
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A WAS spokesperson said: “Tonight, Wednesday, 13 December, 2023, the Welsh Ambulance Service has declared a major incident in response to a large fire at Treforest Industrial Estate, Severn Road, Pontypridd. We have sent 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles and the Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene. We have been supported by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.”
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.
