Body found after industrial park explosion sparked huge fire and major incident

14 December 2023 , 17:40

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Body found after industrial park explosion sparked huge fire and major incident

Police have confirmed a body has been found after a huge explosion and fire at an industrial park.

South Wales Police said tonight 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 on Wednesday night.

Following a search of the site officers have located a body, the force said. While identification has not yet been completed, specially trained officers are supporting the family of the missing individual.

A large plume of smoke rises from a fire at the Treforest Industrial Estate (JON ROWLEY/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Detective Superintendent Richard Jones of South Wales Police said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the missing person. 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 re-opened 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 are now on site to determine the cause of the fire.

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Gym users had to break down a fence to flee the burning building

Firefighters worked overnight to control the fierce blaze

Multiple businesses at the industrial estate were affected, including a gym, a barbers shop, a pet store and a tattoo parlour with one witness describing the scene as 'total carnage.'

A "major incident" was declared for several hours following what was described as a "massive explosion". South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said earlier today the fire was largely out with just "small pockets" remaining.

But pictures taken today show the scale and scene of utter devastation, with a roof ripped off and debris all over the site. Police initially said there were no reports of serious injuries the ambulance treated some "walking wounded".

A 'major incident' was declared as the fire erupted

The Welsh Ambulance Service said it "treated three patients at the scene before discharging them" on Wednesday evening. Police said yesterday: "Residents living nearby are advised to close all doors and windows while this incident is continuing. Businesses in the area are requested to implement their own business continuity plans to deal with the on-going road closures."

The 60,000 sq ft warehouse known as Rizla House includes 13 commercial units including a gym, a towel manufacturer, a food laboratory and a telecoms service company. Pet store PetWise said on Facebook: "Our staff have just been escorted into the building and pleased to say no structural or smoke damage and even more importantly all animals in store are safe and well.

"All checked, fed and watered however we will remain closed untill the area is officially declared safe. Thank you all for your messages of concern." Barber Andrew Cox, whose shop is underneath the gym, wrote 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."

Nearby Integer Telecom, a telecommunication provider, its building had been destroyed.
In a statement on Facebook, the company added: "All our staff are safe and unharmed and business will resume as normal." The Health and Safety Executive is currently investigating the cause of the explosion.

Ryan Merrifield