The woman who was killed in an explosion and fierce fire at an industrial estate in south Wales has been named as the 40-year-old businesswoman and scientist Danielle Evans.
Her family paid tribute to a “whirlwind of a woman”. They said: “She leaves a gaping hole in her family and friends’ hearts, which will never be replaced. She was an intelligent, caring and beautiful soul. She started her own successful laboratory business, Celtic Food Labs. Poured her heart and soul into it, but the most important things to her were her husband, family, dogs and friends.”
The incident happened at Treforest industrial estate in Rhondda Cynon Taf on Wednesday evening.
On its website, Celtic Food Laboratories said: “We are an independent privately owned food testing laboratory that specialises in the microbiological testing of food and food products. We started the setup in February 2009, due to the lack of specialised food testing laboratories in the south Wales area.”
Evans’ family said: “She was a fiercely loyal and loving wife. The best friend anyone could hope for. She met strangers and friends with the same positive, infectious and loving energy. She pulled you into her orbit like nobody you will ever meet or will again. A magnet that pulled us all together.
“Her passions were science, camping, partying with her friends and quality time with her beloved family. She was an amazing auntie and cherished every second with her nieces. She came from a loving family and was so close to her mum, dad, brother, aunties and uncles – her love was boundless. She touched so many lives. She will be so sorely missed, but my word, do we all have some amazing memories that we made and cherish.”
The explosion happened at about 7pm on Wednesday at the two-storey Rizla House on Severn Road. Three people were treated at the scene by the Welsh ambulance service.
Richard Hayward, the landlord of Rizla House, described a “severe explosion” on the ground floor of the property, where the tenants include a car restorer, a towel supplier and a gym. The building used to produce Rizla cigarette papers and was built in the 1920s before being extended in the 1940s and 50s.
Det Supt Richard Jones said: “Our thoughts remain with Danielle’s family, friends and work colleagues, at what is a very difficult time for them. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident.”
South Wales police are working with fire service and Health and Safety Executive officials to establish the cause. A major incident public portal has been set up to allow the public to upload mobile phone, CCTV or other video footage as well as any other information they may hold which could assist. Anyone who may have video footage of the explosion is asked to submit it to the investigation team.
