Tata Steel works in Port Talbot was rocked by an explosion in the early hours of Friday morning, with residents reporting feeling their houses shake with the force of the blast. Videos uploaded to social media showed several flashes of light. According to South Wales Police, two people have suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Where is Tata Steel works?

Tata Steel is a plant in Port Talbot, Wales and is the largest plant in the UK with more than 4,000 employees.

The firm posted on Twitter of the incident: “We can confirm two of our employees were slightly injured when there was a spillage of liquid iron while it was travelling to the steel plant.

“All fires have now been extinguished. A full investigation has begun.”

The explosion was heard as far away as Bridgend which is 14 miles (22km) from the blast.

The National Police Air Service’s St Athan wing confirmed a helicopter had been sent urgently to the scene.

Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock said the incident “raises real concerns about safety at the works”.

He wrote on Twitter: ”It could have been a lot worse. Grateful as always to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response.

“Tata Steel Europe must conduct a full review, to improve safety.”

One resident tweeted: “Sitting in my bed around 3.30am heard three loud bangs.

“Opened my front door to see a cloud of red smoke followed by the smell of sulpher. Hope everyone’s okay in there.”

Another wrote: “Port Talbot, that was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard. Woke me sharply, and continued to crash as I came to.

“Plagued now with worry about the works. Can hear helicopters above now. Surreal, this. Hope everyone is okay.”

South Wales Police said in a statement: “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 molten 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.”

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