Police declare major incident with person unaccounted for after explosion
Police have declared a major incident following an explosion in Treforest, South Wales, with one person unaccounted for.
Officers and fire crews have been called to the industrial estate in the town this evening (Weds) after reports of the explosion. Residents described hearing a huge bang and feeling windows shake.
Emergency services are yet to confirm if anyone has been injured although ambulances have been seen arriving on scene as local NHS chiefs warned A&E was on "high alert" and urged the public not to attend unless it was absolutely vital. In a statement, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: "Due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Ind Estate this evening, all of our emergency departments are currently on high alert.
The scene of the fire in Treforest (Leon Broadstock)"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." In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, South Wales Police said: "We are at the scene of a serious incident on Severn Road, Treforest. The roads will be closed around the area of Treforest Industrial Estate and is expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible."
Residents described hearing a huge bang and feeling windows shake (UKNIP)The area has been sealed off by police with 11 fire crews currently in attendance. The explosion happened next door to an aquatics pet shop, with confirmation that the store was not impacted by the blast. Karl Johnson, a local councillor, told Sky News that the front of the building affected had been "completely destroyed". More than 15 police cars and 10 ambulances have been deployed to the scene, he added.
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A huge plume of smoke can currently be seen miles from the scene, as residents told of feeling their homes shake. Local football coach Charlotte Preen said one of her groups was training nearby when she heard the explosion - which some of the players thought was a firework.
Local NHS chiefs warned A&E was on 'high alert' and urged the public not to attend unless it was absolutely vital (UKNIP)Speaking to Wales Online, she said: "The building shook, and a lot of moisture came from the ceiling. It was very strong. Some of the players were quite concerned, obviously realising it sounded a bit louder than a firework. We've been updated that there was some form of serious explosion in the industrial estate. Parents found it really difficult to pick up their children [after the session], unfortunately."
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."
Police have also reminded locals not to fly drones in the area. A statement read: "We are at the scene of a serious incident on Severn Road, Trefforest. The roads are closed around the area of Trefforest Industrial Estate and are expected to remain closed for some time. It is a illegal for anyone to fly any drones at the location unless permission has been given by the scene Commander."
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