Dramatic footage shows the utter devastation of an explosion at an industrial estate in South Wales

2023-12-15 36

These dramatic pictures capture the aftermath of a huge fire and explosion at a industrial estate.

Emergency services remain at the site of the blaze in South Wales after a major incident was declared last night.

Multiple businesses at the Treforest 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" at 7pm last night. (Wednesday)

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is now 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 said there were no reports of serious injuries the ambulance treated some 'walking wounded.'

The Welsh Ambulance Service said it "treated three patients at the scene before discharging them" on Wednesday evening.

South Wales Police said: "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.