A serious event has been announced at a business area in southern Wales following a loud blast that was heard prior to a significant fire erupting.
The NHS emergency departments in the area are currently on high alert. People are being urged to avoid going to A&E unless it is absolutely necessary.
The South Wales police have announced the closure of roads in Treforest, Pontypridd near Severn Road.
The force stated: “We are currently at the location of a severe occurrence on Severn Road, Treforest.”
“The streets surrounding the industrial park are currently inaccessible and are anticipated to remain closed for an extended period of time. Please avoid this vicinity.”
The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University health board posted on X: “URGENT NOTICE – Our emergency departments are currently on high alert due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Ind Estate this evening.”
“Kindly refrain from visiting the emergency room unless it is absolutely imperative. Our priority is to provide care to those in critical need.”
A representative from the Welsh ambulance service stated that they dispatched 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles, and the hazardous area response team to the location.
According to Karl Johnson, a council member, the incident took place at Mindset Functional Fitness. He told Sky News that the front of the building was “completely destroyed” and a nearby car dealership may have also been impacted.
Colleague Andrew Morgan posted on X: “There is a major fire at the Treforest Industrial Estate, emergency services have arrived on site…please steer clear of the vicinity.”
Stagecoach in South Wales, the bus operator, stated that their 132 and 120 routes will not be able to pass through Rhydyfelin and Hawthorn on their way back because of the incident in Pontypridd.
Krishnaraj Nadarajah, 40, the manager of a nearby Esso gas station, informed the BBC that he called the fire department and turned off the pumps at the station.
He recounted hearing a “huge blast”.
Nadarajah stated that it seemed as though there was an earthquake occurring. Upon going outside, they noticed a significant fire beginning to form, which emitted large amounts of smoke.
Jonny Foxhall, the 36-year-old proprietor of the nearby music venue known as the Green Rooms, informed the PA news agency that their front door had been forcefully opened, prompting them to investigate the cause.
“We observed a plume of smoke and a bright orange hue emerging from beyond the trees, swiftly accompanied by fire.”
He stated that he had never felt a shock wave from an explosion before.
Source: theguardian.com
