Treforest fire – latest: Body found after ‘fireball’ erupts in South Wales industrial estate explosion

A body has been found after an explosion at an industrial estate in South Wales.

A major incident was declared after residents reported feeling “explosions like an earthquake” as a large blaze broke out on Severn Road, Treforest.

One witness shopping in a nearby Tesco told The Independent that they saw a “very large fireball” that “shook the car park”.

Carys Elizabeth, 26, said: “I witnessed the fire from the Tesco car park. As I was walking to my car I heard the most horrific bang and the car park shook.

“The flames and fire were unimaginable. When I was driving past the estate a lady approached my car and said they were clearing the area as the gym and tile place had gone up in flames.”

The council worker added that they initially thought the noise may have been a lorry crash on the A470.

South Wales Police said explosions at the property were heard shortly after 7pm and although there are no reports of any serious injuries, one person remains unaccounted for.

Following the fire, several roads in the area will remain closed today.

Key points

• One person unaccounted for after explosion

• ‘Tattoo studio destroyed by fire’

• Large plumes of smoke at an industrial estate in South Wales

• Witnesses describe huge “fireball” explosion

What we know so far about the major incident

Wednesday 13 December 2023 22:34 , Lydia Patrick

A major incident has been declared in South Wales after a major explosion happened at Treforest industrial estate near to Pontypridd.

South Wales Police said its officers were at the scene of a “serious incident” in Severn Road in Treforest, a village outside Pontypridd - and that roads around the estate had been closed.

Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.

The explosion is believed to have taken place at Mindset Functional Fitness centre.

One witness shared on Facebook: “We were outside the pottery going in when it happened. Literally thought a bomb had gone off.”

What South Wales Police have said so far

Wednesday 13 December 2023 22:44 , Alex Ross

‘Large plumes of smoke'

Wednesday 13 December 2023 22:49 , Alex Ross

A reporter for LBC who is at the industrial estate in Severn Road, Treforest says he can see large plumes of smoke coming from the fire which he believes is close to a gym.

Ambulances and fire engines were in attendance at the scene, he added, while a helicopter could be seen flying overhead.

But still very little is known about the source of the fire, the damage caused and if there are any injuries.

Another picture from the scene

Wednesday 13 December 2023 22:50 , Alex Ross

Witnesses describe the scary scenes

Thursday 14 December 2023 00:30 , Lydia Patrick

Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, told the BBC: “It felt like it was an earthquake or something. We went outside and there was a fire starting to build up, it was a huge fire and smoke.”

Jonny Foxhall, 36, the owner of nearby music venue Green Rooms, told the broadcaster: “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.”

Karen Coles from Pontypridd said: “Never been so scared hearing of the explosion down Treforest industrial estate when Rhys’s football team were training. They are all fine never seen so many emergency services , hope everyone is safe.”

Another witness posted on Facebook: “We were outside the pottery going in when it happened. Literally thought a bomb had gone off.”

Police give update

Thursday 14 December 2023 01:30 , Lydia Patrick

All hospitals in local area on major incident alert

Thursday 14 December 2023 02:30 , Lydia Patrick

Dr Dave Jones says all hospitals in the area are on standby to deal with the incident and potential injuries.

Swansea Bay NHS said: “Because of the explosion and fire in Treforest, all major hospitals in S. Wales including Morriston are on major incident alert. Avoid Morriston unless you have a v. serious illness or injury.

“The Minor Injury Unit @ NPTH is remaining open this evening if you have a minor injury. “

Everything we know about the explosion so far

Thursday 14 December 2023 03:00 , Lydia Patrick

A major incident has been declared by South Wales Police after a fire broke out at an industrial estate in South Wales tonight.

South Wales Police said its officers were at the scene of a “serious incident” in Severn Road in Treforest, a village outside Pontypridd - and that roads around the estate had been closed.

Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.

The BBC reported how eyewitnesses heard a “massive explosion” and local authorities are warning residents to avoid the area.

Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, said: “It felt like it was an earthquake or something. We went outside and there was a fire starting to build up, it was a huge fire and smoke.”

Read the full story here

Major incident declared after ‘massive explosion’ at South Wales industrial estate

‘Tattoo studio destroyed by fire’

Thursday 14 December 2023 03:45 , Namita Singh

A woman who works at a tattoo studio at the industrial estate in south Wales said the business has been “destroyed” by the fire.

Tattoo artist Lucy Artiss, 40, who works at Sixteen Circles in Rizla House on Treforest Industrial Estate, said: “What I know is the explosion destroyed the entrance. Our tattoo shop is destroyed as well as the gym.

“I left just before it happened so I didn’t witness it,” she said, adding that her coworker, his client and gym staff “all managed to get out of the fire exit”.

“It was a lovely place, had a wonderful family feel to it. I’m gutted to have lost that.”

One person unaccounted for after explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 04:30 , Namita Singh

One person is unaccounted for, at least one building has been destroyed and a major incident was declared after an explosion at an industrial estate in South Wales.

Flames and smoke were seen after a fire broke out at a property on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, at around 7pm on Wednesday.

The two-storey building was “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse”, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

Three people were treated at the scene before they were discharged, a Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said.

Local NHS emergency departments were on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.

There are no reports of any serious injuries, however one person remains unaccounted for, South Wales Police said.

No reports of any injuries from explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 05:15 , Namita Singh

South Wales Police said there had been no reports of any injuries following the explosion and fire at Treforest Industrial Estate in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

The force said emergency services remain at the scene in Severn Road, following reports of an explosion at around 7pm on Wednesday, with the two-storey building “at risk of collapse”.

Roads around the estate have been closed and are expected to remain closed into Thursday morning. Residents living nearby have been told to keep their windows and doors shut.

Deputy chief fire officer Dewi Rose said: “At 7.05pm this evening South Wales Fire and Rescue Service 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 use two storey, commercial premises, is totally alight and at risk of collapse.

“Our partners from South Wales Police, WAST, Wales & West Utilities, NRW, RCTCBC, CTMUHB and National Grid are supporting us to deal with the incident, and at the moment our focus is firmly fixed on the emergency response.”

Major incident declared after ‘massive explosion’

Thursday 14 December 2023 06:00 , Namita Singh

A major incident has been declared by South Wales Police after a fire broke out at an industrial estate in South Wales.

The force said its officers were at the scene of a “serious incident” in Severn Road in Treforest, a village outside Pontypridd - and that roads around the estate had been closed.

Local NHS emergency departments are on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.

My colleague Lydia Patrick has more:

Major incident declared after ‘massive explosion’ at South Wales industrial estate

In pictures: Flames and smoke seen after ‘explosion' at South Wales industrial estate

Thursday 14 December 2023 06:45 , Namita Singh

Police shares details of road closure in Wales

Thursday 14 December 2023 07:30 , Namita Singh

Treforest tattoo artist says business is “destroyed”

Thursday 14 December 2023 07:54 , Athena Stavrou

A tattoo artist who works on the industrial estate that suffered a huge blaze last night said the business has been “destroyed” by the explosion.

Tattoo artist Lucy Artiss, 40, who works at Sixteen Circles in Rizla House on Treforest Industrial Estate, said: “What I know is the explosion destroyed the entrance. Our tattoo shop is destroyed as well as the gym.

“I left just before it happened so I didn’t witness it,” she said, adding that her coworker, his client and gym staff “all managed to get out of the fire exit”.

“It was a lovely place, had a wonderful family feel to it. I’m gutted to have lost that.”

Fire still ongoing and concern for one person still missing

Thursday 14 December 2023 08:27 , Athena Stavrou

Local councillor Andrew Morgan said this morning that firefighting operations are still ongoing on-site as concern grows for one person still missing.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader wrote on X that “damping down” is still ongoing and structural officers from council will be on the scene at first light.

He added that there is “concern still one person missing”.

Witness says car park “shook” following ”fireball explosion”

Thursday 14 December 2023 09:06 , Athena Stavrou

A woman shopping in a nearby Tesco said the car park “shook” following a “horrific bang”.

Carys Elizabeth, 26, described the explosion she witnessed in Treforest as a “large fireball” followed by “unimaginable flames”

The council worker told The Independent: “I witnessed the fire from the Tesco car park. As I was walking to my car I heard the most horrific bang and the car park shook.

“The flames and fire were unimaginable. When I was driving past the estate a lady approached my car and said they were clearing the area as the gym and tile place had gone up in flames.”

She added: “Everyone in the car park thought [the sound] was a truck on the A470. It was a very large fireball.”

Latest police update

Thursday 14 December 2023 09:24 , Athena Stavrou

South Wales Police have issued their latest statement this morning on the Treforest fire.

Emergency services remain on the scene where a “fireball explosion” was seen at 7pm last night.

“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 7:00pm last night,” the statement reads.

“There are no reports of any serious injuries. However, one person remains unaccounted for.”

Pictures from the scene

Thursday 14 December 2023 09:58 , Athena Stavrou

Pet shop closed following explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 10:15 , Athena Stavrou

A pet shop on the industrial estate that suffered an explosion last night said they have closed due to the incident.

Petwise Reptiles is among the 13 businesses thought to have been affected by the blaze.

Last night, the store said they were “unaffected so far” but this morning updated customers to say they would be closed until further notice.

A social media post read: “Due to the ongoing incident with our neighbours on Severn Road we will be closed untill further notice. Further updates to follow, our thoughts are with the missing person.”

Medical appointments cancelled following blaze

Thursday 14 December 2023 10:33 , Athena Stavrou

Some diabetic eye screening appointments have had to be cancelled in South Wales today as the region faces the disruption following last night’s explosion.

Public Health Wales said the cancellations were due to the closure of their main diabetic eye screening office, based in Treforest.

“A road closure following the incident at Treforest Industrial Estate last night means that our staff cannot access the building,” they said on X.

“As a result, they are unable to collect the equipment they need. Everyone who is impacted by the cancellation of today’s clinics will be informed directly.”

Nearby businesses doors ‘flung open’ in explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 11:07 , Athena Stavrou

The owner of a music venue nearby the Treforest industrial estate said their doors were “flung open” from the impact of the explosion.

Around 13 businesses are thought to have been affected by the blaze, which saw a major incident declared last night,

Jonny Foxhall, 36, said the impact of the shockwave was something he had “never experienced before”.

“Our front door was flung open so we went out to see what had happened,” the owner of Green Rooms said.

“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 and fire service investigating cause of fire

Thursday 14 December 2023 12:02 , Athena Stavrou

A joint police, fire and health and safety investigation team is currently working to determine the cause of the fire.

A joint statement from South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service read that the team is now on site to determine the cause of the explosion, which witnesses described as a “fireball”.

While there are no reports of any serious injuries, one person remains unaccounted for.

“The fire is now largely extinguished, with small pockets of fire remaining. Some roads and businesses in the area will still be affected,” the statement read.

“Six pumping appliances, several other appliances and crews remain in attendance. A High Volume Pump had been drawing water from the River Taff, although this has been scaled back and is planned to be withdrawn by around midday, to enable the opening of more roads, which will further alleviate traffic in the area.”

They added: “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.”

Fundraiser launched for business devastated by explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 12:45 , Athena Stavrou

A fundraiser has been launched to help support the businesses “devastated” by last night’s blaze in an industrial estate in South Wales.

The gofundme has already raised over £3,000 with proceeds going towards Mindset Gym, Distinctive Tattoo Studio, RM Massage and Andrew Cox barbering.

Emergency services were called to Treforest industrial estate last night after reports of an explosion at Mindset Gym.

The gofundme reads: “Our tight-knit community has recently faced an unimaginable tragedy – a devastating fire that has left some local businesses in ruins.

“The flames not only consumed the structure that housed our dreams but also took away the livelihoods of the hardworking individuals who poured their hearts and souls into a place we called our second home.”

It added: “In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, we find ourselves standing together in the face of adversity, determined to rise from the ashes. The road to recovery is long, but with your help, these businesses can rebuild.”

‘Very difficult week’ ahead for community

Thursday 14 December 2023 13:30 , Athena Stavrou

Communities in the South Wales Valleys have had a “very difficult week”, the Labour MP for Pontypridd said.

“This has been a very difficult week for Pontypridd and Taff-Ely,” Alex Davies-Jones told the House of Commons.

“Last night a serious fire and explosion in Treforest occurred and sadly one person is still unaccounted for.”

The Labour MP also spoke of Monday night’s tragic car crash in Tonyrefail, which killed three young boys.

She added: “Our emergency services have acted exemplary in both situations and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone who ran towards the danger and tried to help.”

Car showroom closed in wake of explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 14:15 , Athena Stavrou

A Hyundai and Vauxhall showroom on the Treforest industrial estate has been closed until further notice following the massive blaze last night.

It is believed that at least 13 businesses have been affected by the blaze, including a gym, a tattoo shop and a pet shop.

Emergency services responded to reports of explosions at 7pm last night. No major injuries have been reported but one person remains unaccounted for.

Treforest barber ‘not sure if anything left standing’ as building explodes

Thursday 14 December 2023 15:09 , Athena Stavrou

A barber based in the Treforest industrial estate that suffered a “fireball explosion” last night says is “completely clueless” as to what’s left of his business.

Andrew Cox, who owns Andrew Cox Barbering, is based inside Mindset Gym which reported an explosion to South Wales police at 7pm last night.

Mr Cox said he is “frantically trying to figure out what the next steps” were in a social media post.

“It is with a heavy heart I have to notify all my customers that the building underneath the mindset gym where I am based has exploded last night,” he said.

“The gym is heartbreakingly no longer accessible together with all the businesses inside including Andrew Cox Barbering. No body is allowed near the vicinity so I am completely clueless as to what is still standing, if anything.”

Council issue update

Thursday 14 December 2023 16:00 , Athena Stavrou

Main roads around Treforest industrial estate are beginning to open up, the council have said in their latest update.

Emergency services remain on the scene of the fire, which started with a “fireball explosion” on Wednesday night, according to witnesses.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “Main routes around Treforest Industrial Estate, including Power Station Hill are now open. Motorists are advised to drive through the area cautiously as there is still significant activity around the site.

“Emergency services remain at the scene of the fire, and some roads around the incident site remain closed (Severn Road/top of Taffs Mead Road) to allow investigations to continue and maintain public safety. Please don’t visit the area unless needed to allow emergency services to undertake their duties.”

They added that they will continue to work with partners to undertake investigations and thanked the community for their cooperation.

Pictures: Emergency services remain on scene

Thursday 14 December 2023 17:15 , Athena Stavrou

Emergency services are still on the scene of Treforest industrial estate after an “explosion” and huge fire broke out last night.

Police and fire services are working together to determine the cause of the blaze.

Body has been found after fire

Thursday 14 December 2023 17:42 , Sam Rkaina

South Wales Police said a body was found on Thursday in a search of the Treforest Industrial Estate site following a fire and explosion on Wednesday evening.

The force said identification has not yet been completed but specialist officers are supporting the family of the person who was unaccounted for.

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 on site to determine the cause of the fire.

Animals ‘safe and well’ in Treforest pet shop

Thursday 14 December 2023 18:15 , Athena Stavrou

A pet shop on the industrial estate that suffered an explosion last night said all of their animals are “safe and well”

Petwise Reptiles is among the 13 businesses thought to have been affected by the blaze and remain closed until the area has been officially declared safe.

A social media post read: “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.”

Emergency services remain at the scene

Thursday 14 December 2023 18:33 , Sam Rkaina

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “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 last night.

“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.”

Police in touch with missing person’s family

Thursday 14 December 2023 19:05 , Sam Rkaina

Detective Superintendent Richard Jones 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 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.”

The force spokesman added: “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.”

ICYM: Witness says car park “shook” following ”fireball explosion"

Thursday 14 December 2023 19:15 , Athena Stavrou

A woman shopping in a nearby Tesco when an industrial estate fire broke out in South Wales said the car park “shook” following a “horrific bang”.

Carys Elizabeth, 26, described the explosion she witnessed in Treforest as a “large fireball” followed by “unimaginable flames”

The council worker told The Independent: “I witnessed the fire from the Tesco car park. As I was walking to my car I heard the most horrific bang and the car park shook.

“The flames and fire were unimaginable. When I was driving past the estate a lady approached my car and said they were clearing the area as the gym and tile place had gone up in flames.”

She added: “Everyone in the car park thought [the sound] was a truck on the A470. It was a very large fireball.”

Full police update as body found at scene

Thursday 14 December 2023 20:15 , Lydia Patrick

Emergency services remain at the scene of a fire at a premises on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taff following the 7pm explosion last night.

Following a search of the site officers have located a body.

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.”

Woman recounts the scary scenes of yesterday’s explosion

Thursday 14 December 2023 21:15 , Lydia Patrick

Karen Coles from Pontypridd’s son was at football training a few miles from the explosion on Severn Road, Treforest.

Ms Coles, 41 told the Independent: “I was at home and received a message on a WhatsApp group from a parent asking if the boys were ok because there had been an explosion down where they do football training.

“Thankfully all the boys were fine, we could just see flames and black smoke. I picked my son up and he said they heard a massive bang and thought a bomb had gone off.

“As we drove back there were emergency vehicles coming from everywhere. It was so scary. There were just loads of ambulances backed up ready to go.”

Treforest barber ‘not sure if anything left standing’ as building explodes

Thursday 14 December 2023 22:15 , Athena Stavrou

A barber based in the Treforest industrial estate that suffered a “fireball explosion” last night says is “completely clueless” as to what’s left of his business.

Andrew Cox, who owns Andrew Cox Barbering, is based inside Mindset Gym which reported an explosion to South Wales police at 7pm last night.

Mr Cox said he is “frantically trying to figure out what the next steps” were in a social media post.

“It is with a heavy heart I have to notify all my customers that the building underneath the mindset gym where I am based has exploded last night,” he said.

“The gym is heartbreakingly no longer accessible together with all the businesses inside including Andrew Cox Barbering. No body is allowed near the vicinity so I am completely clueless as to what is still standing, if anything.”

Animals ‘safe and well’ in Treforest pet shop

Thursday 14 December 2023 23:15 , Athena Stavrou

A pet shop on the industrial estate that suffered an explosion last night said all of their animals are “safe and well”

Petwise Reptiles is among the 13 businesses thought to have been affected by the blaze and remain closed until the area has been officially declared safe.

A social media post read: “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.”

Police in touch with missing person’s family

Friday 15 December 2023 00:15 , Lydia Patrick

Detective Superintendent Richard Jones 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 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.”

The force spokesman added: “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.”