A person is missing after a massive fire ripped through a two-storey building on an industrial estate in South Wales.
Flames and smoke were seen after the fire broke out at the property in Treforest, South Wales, at around 7pm on Wednesday.
The building was “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse” as three people were treated at the scene, according to fire and ambulance services.
Local NHS emergency departments were on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.
Witnesses heard a “massive explosion” and local authorities are warning residents to avoid the area, according to reports.
Krishnaraj Nadarajah, the manager of a nearby petrol station, 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.”
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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.”
A South Wales Police spokesperson wrote on social media: “We are at the scene of a serious incident on Severn Road, Trefforest.
The roads are closed around the area of Trefforest Industrial Estate and are expected to remain closed for some time. It is illegal for anyone to fly any drones at the location unless permission has been given.”
Social media users have shared their anguish as many witnessed the loud explosion. Karen Coles from Pontypridd said: “Never been so scared hearing of the explosion down Treforest industrial estate when Rhys’s football team were training. They are all fine never seen so many emergency services , hope everyone is safe.”
Another witness posted on Facebook: “We were outside the pottery going in when it happened. Literally thought a bomb had gone off.”
Local councillor Karl Johnson told Sky News he believes the incident happened at a gym, with the front of the building “completely destroyed” by the explosion.
Over 15 police cars and 10 ambulances have been sent to the scene alongside the fire service, Mr Johnson told Sky.
The NHS has warned those in the local area not to visit A&E unless necessary.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “Due to the ongoing incident at Treforest Ind Estate this evening, all of our emergency departments are currently on high alert.
Dr Dave Jones says all hospitals in the area are on standby to deal with the incident and potential injuries.
“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.”
