Everything we know about fatal Treforest explosion and fire as police issue update
Police have issued a short update on their investigation into the cause of an explosion that killed on person at an industrial estate in Treforest. South Wales Police said that a joint investigation between police and the fire service is now underway to determine the cause at the Rizla House building on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate. The force is are appealing for help from any witnesses to the explosion at 7pm on Wednesday.
A body had been found at the scene on Thursday. A major incident had been declared by emergency services, with the two-storey building described as “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse” by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Searches were carried out at the site during Thursday after a person was unaccounted for, leading to the discovery of the body.
There were no other reports of serious injuries, according to police. On Friday (December 15, South Wales Police launched a new appeal for information. The force said: “Following the fire at premises on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, a joint investigation with partners is now underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Detectives are appealing for footage following the explosion which occurred shortly after 7pm on Wednesday night.” Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said:” “I would appeal to anyone who has any information and has not yet spoken to police to come forward and I would ask for anyone with any CCTV, Ring doorbell footage or dashcam footage to get in touch.” Here is what we know so far:
Person was unaccounted for after fire
Police confirmed the sad news on Thursday evening that a body had been located.
A South Wales Police[3] spokesman said: “Emergency services remain at the scene of a fire at a premises on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda[4] Cynon Taff. “This follows reports of an explosion at a property shortly after 7pm on Wednesday night. 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.” Detective superintendent Richard Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the missing person.
Investigation into the cause has been launched
A joint investigation involving the police and fire service is now underway. DS Jones said: “Now that the fire has been brought under control, we will move to the investigative phase to find out what caused this explosion and subsequent fire.
“Roads are gradually being reopened although some roads and businesses in the area will still be affected. “I want to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this incident is being dealt with.” A force spokesman added: “A joint investigation team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive are now on site to determine the cause of the fire.”
Police have appealed for help (Image: Reem Ahmed / Media Wales)
Renewed appeal from police
Detectives are appealing for footage following the explosion which occurred shortly after 7pm on Wednesday night.
Detective chief inspector Paul Raikes said:” “I would appeal to anyone who has any information and has not yet spoken to police to come forward and I would ask for anyone with any CCTV, Ring doorbell footage or dashcam footage to get in touch.” Anyone who might have dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the explosion is asked to get in touch using this link.[5] A statement from South Wales Police also said that if anyone would like to provide any information aside from footage, you can contact the force by calling 101 quoting occurrence number 2300423352.
You can also email police [email protected][6].
References
- ^ A child came to school with a single carrot for lunch (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Truly heartbroken’ families pay tribute to teenagers killed in Coedely crash between bus and car (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ South Wales Police (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ Rhondda (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ this link. (mipp.police.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (www.walesonline.co.uk)