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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Josh Salisbury

Pontypridd: Body found after explosion at Treforest industrial estate in South Wales

A body has been found in the search of an industrial estate in South Wales after a fire and explosion destroyed a two-storey commercial building.

South Wales Police said identification has not yet been completed but specialist officers are supporting the family of the person who was unaccounted for after the blaze at the Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd.

A major incident was declared after a fire broke out at the property on Severn Road at around 7pm on Wednesday.

Three people were treated for injuries at the scene, but another person was unaccounted for.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Richard Jones said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the missing person.

"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 re-opened 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."

Flames and smoke were seen after a fire broke out in Severn Road, Treforest, on Wednesday evening (PA Media)

A joint investigation team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive, are on site to determine the cause of the fire.

A large multi-use two-storey commercial premises was left totally alight and at risk of collapse in the blaze.

Integer Telecom, a telecommunication provider, said in a Facebook post its building was destroyed in the explosion, but staff were unharmed.

Witnesses at the scene said the explosion felt like an earthquake.

Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, told the BBC: “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.”

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

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