Major incident declared in South Wales as huge fire breaks out following 'explosion'
13 December 2023, 21:16 | Updated: 14 December 2023, 00:10
A major incident has been declared in South Wales after a huge fire broke out following reports of an explosion.
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Flames and smoke were seen after the fire broke out in Severn Road, Treforest, on Wednesday evening.
All roads around the Treforest Industrial Estate have since been closed as emergency services attend the scene, South Wales Police said.
One person remained unaccounted for as of midnight on Thursday, with at least one building having been destroyed.
The two-storey building was "totally alight" and "at risk of collapse", South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.
Emergency services at scene of 'explosion' in South Wales
Meanwhile, local NHS emergency departments are on "high alert" after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless "absolutely necessary".
It comes after witnesses reported hearing "a big explosion".
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Flames and smoke were seen after the fire broke out in Treforest
A police statement read: "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. Please avoid the area.
"Updates will be provided when available and appropriate."
More than 15 police cars and 10 ambulances are at the scene along with the fire service, local councillor Karl Johnson told Sky.
Jonathan Sweet, Welsh Ambulance Service Strategic Commander, said: “The major incident that the Welsh Ambulance Service declared tonight, Wednesday 13 December 2023, in response to a large fire at Treforest Industrial Estate on Severn Road in Pontypridd, has now been stood down.
“The decision was taken because we are no longer required to treat patients at the scene and to allow our resources to attend to emergencies within the community.
“We treated three patients at the scene before discharging them.”
Deputy chief fire officer Dewi Rose said: "At 7.05pm this evening South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) responded to repeat calls about an explosion at Mindset Gym, Rizla House, Severn Road on Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd.
"SWFRS currently has 16 pumping appliances, a number of special appliances and officers in attendance. The latest from the scene is that the building, a large multi-use two-storey commercial premises, is totally alight and at risk of collapse."
Cllr Andrew Morgan tweeted: "There is a significant fire on the Treforest Industrial Estate, emergency services are on the scene... please avoid the area".
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.
"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."
