One person unaccounted for as fire crews rush to 'loud' explosion

One person remains unaccounted for

Emergency services remain at the scene.

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

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 which will affect them throughout the night and into the morning.

Significant road closures remain in place and the public is requested to avoid the area.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dewi Rose said: “At 7.05pm this evening SWFRS 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.”

10 ambulances sent to blaze

An ambulance service spokesperson has confirmed 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles and the Hazardous Area Response Team have been sent to the scene of the blaze this evening.

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The Welsh Ambulance Service said a major incident was declared due to the beiing unable to respond as well to other incidents in the area as a result of the explosion. However, there has been no confirmation yet how many people, if anyone, has been injured.

A 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.”

Hospitals "on standby"

All nearby hospitals are on standby for a major incident, local NHS services say.

People have been urged not to go to A&E unless it's absolutely vital.

All @CwmTafMorgannwg hospitals are on standby to receive the injured. Do not attend A&Es unless necessary. https://t.co/q6mm8c3WKq

— Dave Jones (@WelshGasDoc) December 13, 2023

Explosion so strong neighbours felt 'shockwave'

One local resident has described the moment the blast sent a shockwave strong enough to push their front door open.

Jonny Foxhall, 36, the owner of nearby music venue Green Rooms, told PA: "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."

Images from scene 'hugely concerning' says Senedd member

Heledd Fychan, Welsh Senedd member for South Wales Central, has described the images and reports of the incident as "hugely concerning".

(UKNIP)

Pryderus dros ben. https://t.co/94jIYem9Eh

— Heledd Fychan AS/ MS (@Heledd_Plaid) December 13, 2023

Smoke seen from miles away

This picture was taken by a resident living a few miles from the scene, clearly showing the huge plume of smoke billowing from the estate. Fire services have already confirmed 11 engines are in attendance.

Huge plume of smoke coming from the scene in Treforest, South Wales (Leon Broadstock)

Residents described feeling homes "shake" in the blast

People living near to the industrial estate told local media they felt their walls shake and windows rattle, with one football team thinking a firework had gone off as they trained nearby.

Local football coach Charlotte Preen 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."

Police warn locals to stay away from area as major incident declared

Police have provided an update, declaring a 'major incident' and telling people to provide the area.

In a statement on X, South Wales Police said: "#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."