Police have found a body at the scene of an explosion on an industrial estate in South Wales.
A major incident was declared on Wednesday night after residents reported feeling “explosions like an earthquake” when a large fire broke out on the Treforest Industrial Estate on Severn Road in Treforest, South Wales.
A huge smoke cloud accompanied the blaze that was still being contained throughout the day on Thursday. The fire is now largely extinguished, with small pockets remaining according to the local fire service.
One person is still unaccounted for— (EPA)
Searches were carried out at the site during Thursday after a person was unaccounted for, leading to the discovery of the body. There were no other reports of serious injuries, according to police.
The incident took place inside a 60,000 sq ft warehouse called Rizla House which contains 13 commercial units including a tattoo parlour, towel manufacturer, gym, food lab and a telecoms company.
The inferno is thought to have started within the Mindset gym which reported the explosion on Wednesday night.
Emergency services remained on the scene all day on Thursday as they worked to fight the blaze— (PA)
Many local businesses, including car dealerships and pet shops, remained closed and some roads were shut due to the ongoing emergency efforts. Medical appointments for diabetic eye screening were also cancelled.
South Wales Police confirmed there were no serious injuries from the suspected blast although one person remained unaccounted for. They advised all residents to close their windows and doors while it continued.
Both South Wales police and fire service along with the Health and Safety Executive are now on site to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “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 7pm last night.
“Following a search of the site officers have located a body.
“While identification has not yet been completed, specially trained officers are supporting the family of the missing individual.”
Fire services tried to put out the inferno— (PA)
A woman shopping in a nearby Tesco when the explosion occurred 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.
“Everyone in the car park thought [the sound] was a truck on the A470. It was a very large fireball.”
A huge smoke cloud was seen above the burning premises— (EPA)
People with businesses on the estate said they were “completely clueless” as to what was left of them.
Andrew Cox of Andrew Cox Barbering said: “The gym is no longer accessible together with all the businesses inside including Andrew Cox Barbering. Nobody is allowed near the vicinity so I am completely clueless as to what is still standing, if anything.”
Local MP Alex Davies-Jones told the House of Commons that it had been a very “difficult week” for the people in her constituency.
“Last night a serious fire and explosion in Treforest occurred. On Monday evening, three young men tragically lost their lives in a car crash in my home village of Tonyrefail, and two people are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
“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.”
Local roads were closed and severe travel disruptions expected— (EPA)
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council issued an update on Thursday to say: “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.”
