Body found in Morriston home explosion

A search of the scene discovered the body of a man who was previously unaccounted for. His family has been informed.

An investigation will now get underway to establish the cause of the incident. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Two properties were extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties were also damaged. Three people were taken to hospital by ambulance.

A multi-agency command room is co-ordinating the emergency response to the incident at Swansea Central Police Station.

A rest centre has been set up by the local authority at Morriston Memorial Hall to support those affected.

A cordon remains in place and people are asked to avoid the area. It is necessary to keep the cordon in place due to the ongoing risk to the public and the amount of debris which is blocking access roads.

Clydach Road remains closed, and traffic is being diverted. A number of homes in the Cwm Arian area are currently only accessible via pedestrian routes near the Lidl supermarket and DFS store due to vehicle access off Clydach Road being blocked and concerns over the gas main which is currently being made safe by contactors on site. Once this work is complete it will be possible to restore controlled vehicle access.

Superintendent Steve Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has lost his life and those affected by this tragic incident. We are doing everything possible to reduce the impact on the wider community and allow access to homes as quickly as possible where it is safe to do so.

“I would like to thank the community for the patience and support during what is a challenging incident.”

Rob Long, Chief Operating Officer for Wales & West Utilities said: “We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea this morning (13 March) and immediately sent a team of engineers.

“On arrival, we found that there had been severe structural damage to the property and the emergency services were in control of the scene.

“Whilst the cause of the explosion is not yet known, we have made the area safe and will remain at the scene to support the emergency services as they work.

“We would like to reassure local residents that every safety precaution is being taken, and there will be no impact on local gas supplies.

“Our thoughts now are with the family of those affected and with the community of Morriston.”

A spokesperson from Swansea Bay University Health Board gave an update on those taken to hospital that were involved in the blast. “Following the explosion in Morriston today, two adults and a child were taken to the Emergency Department at Morriston Hospital.

“The child and one of the adults were treated and discharged. The second adult was admitted with trauma injuries, and is in a stable condition.”

Swansea Council leader, and Morriston ward councillor, Rob Stewart said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased, and we wish the three people still in hospital a speedy and full recovery.

“Police, fire and rescue and a range of council teams were deployed today and are doing an amazing job making the area safe, and supporting people who had to leave their homes.

“We are providing hotel accommodation and a range of support to those that need it.

“The response from the community has been nothing short of amazing and I am hugely humbled and proud of the Morriston community.”

(Lead image: Rob Stewart)