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9 months ago
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A major incident has been declared in South Wales after a 'loud explosion' was heard before a huge inferno ripped through a building on an industrial estate in South Wales.
The fire is reported to have broken out in the early evening on Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taf and is still raging.
More than 15 police cars, 10 ambulances and multiple fire engines are said to be in attendance at the scene on Severn Road, Treforest.
A gym and at least one car dealership on the estate are understood to have been affected by the blaze, with a gymgoer saying she and others had to be evacuated and that it was an 'absolute miracle that nobody was hurt'.
Pictures have shown a building consumed by flames, with huge plumes of smoke visible from afar.
Witnesses told WalesOnline that they heard a 'massive bang' which shook houses, with one saying: 'My house was rattling, must have been a big explosion.'
The emergency departments of hospitals in the area are on 'high alert' due to the incident and have asked people not to attend A&E 'unless absolutely necessary'.
Police, fire and ambulance services are in attendance at a major incident after an 'explosion' on an industrial estate
Huge plumes of smoke rising over the building are visible from afar
Pictures appear to show a building on the estate consumed by flames with smoke pouring out
Multiple fire engines, police cars and ambulances have been pictured at the scene
A photo taken from a car shows the building being engulfed by flames and smoke rising
Pictures from the industrial estate have shown a large building consumed by flames
A major incident has been declared, with multiple police cars and ambulances pictured at the scene
Pictures have shown a building consumed by flames, with a column of smoke still visible from a nearby road
#MajorIncident | 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. pic.twitter.com/PqPxokqdd4
❗️URGENT MESSAGE - 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.
— Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (@CwmTafMorgannwg) December 13, 2023Councillor Karl Johnson said he believes the incident happened at Mindset Functional Fitness Ltd, with the front of the building 'completely destroyed'.
Speaking to Sky News, the local further added that a nearby car dealership could also be affected.
Heledd Fychan, Welsh Senedd member for South Wales Central, described images and reports of the incident as 'hugely concerning'.
She urged people to heed emergency services' warnings to avoid the area.
South Wales radio station GTFM said earlier in the evening: 'We have received a report from a listener in Upper Boat of a loud explosion which seems to have triggered a large fire.'
Emergency services respond to explosion in Treforest, South Wales. Roads around the industrial estate have been closed
South Wales Police said in a statement online: '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.'
A Welsh Ambulance Service 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.'
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