'Explosion' in Wales as 'serious' incident declared at industrial estate
Massive explosion in South Wales as major incident declared
@Jo_Reggelt/X
A major incident has been declared in Wales after an explosion took place in an industrial estate.
Emergency services are in attendance at the industrial estate in Severn Road in Treforest.
A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "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."
Officers are urging people to stay away from the Severn Road area
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has warned people not to attend A & E in the area unless absolutely necessary.
A spokesperson from the health board said: "URGENT MESSAGE - Due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Ind Estate this evening, all of our emergency departments are currently on high alert.
"Please help us by not attending A & E unless absolutely necessary. We need to be able to provide care to those who need it the most."
Officers from South Wales Police have reminded people not to fly drones in the area. A spokesperson said "It is a illegal for anyone to fly any drones at the location unless permission has been given by the scene Commander."
Eyewitnesses and local businesses said they felt the ground shake and saw an explosion.
The manager of a nearby Esso garage, Krishnaraj Nadarajah, told the BBC he contacted the fire service and shut off the pumps at the station.
The 40-year-old described hearing a "massive explosion".
He 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."
A spokesperson from Swansea Bay University Health Board said: "In view of the explosion and fire in Treforest, all major hospitals in South Wales, including Morriston, have been placed on major incident alert.
"Please avoid attending Morriston Hospital unless you have a very serious illness or injury.
"The Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital is remaining open this evening (until further notice) to deal with minor injuries.
"If you have a relative or loved one who is a patient at Morriston but is ready to be discharged, it would be a significant help if you could arrange to collect them. We will update as more information becomes available."