Major incident as blast ‘destroys’ building at south Wales industrial estate

A major incident has been declared at a south Wales industrial estate after reports of an explosion thought to have ripped through a building.

Police and fire services were in attendance at the industrial estate at Treforest Industrial Estate, which houses a car dealership, a Greggs factory and a number of other businesses.

South Wales Police said it was in attendance at a “serious incident” and “the roads are closed around the area of Trefforest Industrial Estate and are expected to remain closed for some time.”

Hospitals across south Wales were put on alert.

The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board confirmed it was on “high alert” due to the incident and urged people to not attend A&E “unless absolutely necessary” so it could “provide care to those who need it the most”.

There was no immediate confirmation of any injuries.

Speaking to Sky News, local councillor Karl Johnson said the front of a building had been “completely destroyed” in the incident.

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

Local football coach Charlotte Preen, who was nearby with a group, told Wales Online: “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.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan said road closures were in place locally due to a “significant fire,” with locals urged to avoid the area.