A body has been found by search teams after an explosion and a fire at an industrial estate in south Wales that destroyed at least one building.
Almost 24 hours after the incident at Treforest industrial estate in Rhondda Cynon Taf, police said the body of a missing person had been found.
South Wales police said: “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.
Det Supt Richard Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family. 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 reopened 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, is on site to determine the cause of the explosion and fire.
The explosion happened at about 7pm on Wednesday at the two-storey Rizla House on Severn Road. Three people were treated at the scene by the Welsh ambulance service.
Richard Hayward, the landlord of Rizla House, described a “severe explosion” on the ground floor of the property, where tenants include a car restorer, a towel supplier and a gym.
He said: “It appears as though the fire started in one of the lower units there. We don’t know which one. There was a severe explosion.
“From what we can glean from various people, the fire brigade being one, the building has been destroyed. I suspect it’s probably going to look a bit like a hulk when we eventually get into it.”
He said the building used to produce Rizla cigarette papers and was built in the 1920s before being extended in the 1940s and 50s.
Lucy Artiss, a tattoo artist who works at Sixteen Circles in Rizla House, said: “Our tattoo shop is destroyed.” She said workers and staff had managed to get out of a fire exit. “It was a lovely place, had a wonderful family feel to it. I’m gutted to have lost that,” she said.
Andrew Cox, a barber, posted on Facebook: “Nobody is allowed near the vicinity so I am completely clueless as to what is still standing, if anything. I am frantically trying to work out what the next steps are regarding all appointments.”
People who live and work nearby said buildings had been shaken by the explosion. Jonny Foxhall, the owner of the nearby music venue Green Rooms, said their front door was flung open. “To feel the shock wave from the explosion is something I’ve never experienced before,” he said.
