Body found after explosion and fire at Treforest industrial estate

A body has been found following an explosion and fire at an industrial estate, South Wales Police said. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Treforest industrial estate. One person had remained unaccounted for following the incident.

A joint police, fire and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation has been launched following the blast at Rizla House on Severn Road, Rhondda Cynon Taff, at around 7pm on Wednesday. A major incident was declared by emergency services, with the two-storey building described as “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse” by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. South Wales Police said on Thursday afternoon that, while there were no reports of any serious injuries, one person remains unaccounted for.

A South Wales Police spokesman said tonight: “Following a search of the site officers have located a body. While identification has not yet been completed, specially trained officers are supporting the family of the missing individual.” The fire has since been largely extinguished, the force said, but small pockets remain, with police originally saying they had received “repeat calls” about the blaze starting in the Mindset Gym in Rizla House.

Roads and businesses in the area continue to be affected, but some roads were set to be reopened later on Thursday.

Six pumping appliances, several other appliances and crews remain in attendance, with a high-volume pump used to draw water from the River Taff.