Huge explosion at Tata rocks Port Talbot

A huge explosion at Tata’s Port Talbot works is said to have ‘rocked’ the town in the early hours of this morning, Friday (Apr 26).

In a statement issued earlier South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police is currently in attendance with emergency service colleagues from fire and rescue and the ambulance service at an incident at Tata Steelworks, Port Talbot.

“We received numerous calls at around 3.35am reporting an explosion.  At this time we believe there are just two casualties with minor injuries.

“This incident is ongoing at the moment and emergency services are at the scene investigating.

We are asking people to avoid this area at this time. 

“Emergency services remain on scene but we have had confirmation that all members of staff are accounted for and there are only two casualties with minor injuries.

“Early indications are that the seat of the explosion was a train which carries molton metal into the works.  The explosion caused some small fires which are all under control and damage to some buildings on the site.

“South West Fire and Rescue Service have informed us there is no need for concerns re hazardous effects from the smoke from the fire.

“The motorway remains open.”

A statement from the fire and rescue service reads: “Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of an explosion at Tata Steel Works site in Port Talbot at 03.36hours this morning (Friday 26 April 2019).

“At the height of the incident, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service had 10 appliances at the scene, utilising 8 breathing apparatus, 3 main jets and a water tower to extinguish the fire. Two casualties were conveyed to hospital by paramedics with minor injuries.

“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service left the scene at 08.40hours, when responsibility for the incident was handed to Tata.”

Photo: Grubb at English Wikipedia [Public domain]