A ‘huge explosion’ that felt like an ‘earthquake’ ripped apart a building in the early hours in South Wales last night sparking a massive emergency response, with one person still unaccounted for.

Flames and smoke were seen after a fire broke out at a property on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, at around 7pm on Wednesday. The two-storey building was “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse”, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

Three people were treated at the scene before they were discharged, a Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said. Local NHS emergency departments were on “high alert” after the blaze, with people asked not to attend A&E unless “absolutely necessary”.

There are no reports of any serious injuries, however one person remains unaccounted for, South Wales Police said. Significant road closures remain in place and the public is requested to avoid the area.

Local MP Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd, said on Wednesday evening there had been “walking wounded” after the blast and a local business owner said her tattoo shop “just exploded”.

Speaking to the BBC, the manager of a nearby Esso garage, Krishnaraj Nadarajah, said he contacted the fire service and shut off the pumps at the station. He said: “It felt like it was an earthquake or something.”

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Blaze in massive warehouse containing multiple businesses

It’s understood the fire is in a large 60,000 square foot warehouse which contains 13 commerical units including a towel manufacturer, gym, food lab and telecoms business, the BBC reports.

Advice from local council for people travelling in the area

Rhondda Cynon Taf council has issued advice and information this morning.

Following the large fire on Treforest Industrial Estate the following roads will remain closed this morning:

Tonteg Road between the Upper Boat and Power Station Hill roundabouts;

Severn Road, Taffs Mead Road, Taffs Fall Road, Bridge Road and Ford Road.

They say these closures will impact traffic, and diversions are in place – please only travel if necessary. You should expect significant delays within the area if travelling. If travelling please leave extra time and avoid the area.

Home to School transport will likely be delayed for pupils in the area due to diversions and congestion, however operators will endeavour to serve all stops wherever possible.

One person still missing

Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said that damping down and structural officers from council will be on site at first light.

He added: “Concern still one person missing”.

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