Emergency services remain at scene of Morriston explosion

South Wales Police have provided an update to their investigations.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Police said: “One man died in the incident and a further three were taken to hospital by ambulance. Formal identification of the man is expected to be carried out later 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.

“An investigation is 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.

“Last night, the number of households unable to return home due to structural damage, roads being blocked by debris and concerns over the safety of the gas main was reduced from over 200 to less than 30.

“Those who needed emergency accommodation overnight were supported by the local authority. Building checks will be carried out to assess the safety of properties to confirm which homes are safe for people to return to. This is being done as quickly as possible and access to properties will be allowed when it is safe to do so.

“Clydach Road and Field Close remain closed, while controlled access to homes in the Cwm Arian area is being facilitated.

“The community is thanked for their support and co-operation so far and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.

“The local authority continues to offer assistance and provide updates to affected residents from Morriston Memorial Hall.”

Rob Long, Chief Operating Officer for Wales & West Utilities said: “We have been working with the emergency services following an explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea yesterday morning (13 March).  As the gas emergency service, our role is to make the area safe and support the investigation.

“The cause of the explosion is not yet known, and we are remaining at the scene to support the emergency services.

“We would like to reassure local residents that every safety precaution is being taken. As part of this, we are joined by other utilities in turning off gas and power to the immediate surrounding properties – however, there will be no impact on gas supplies to the wider area.

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

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also privided an update on the rescue.

The spokesperson from the fire service said: “At 11.20am on Monday, March 13th, crews from Morriston, Swansea West, Neath, Gorseinon, Port Talbot and Carmarthen were called to an incident in Morriston following several reports of a large explosion.

“One property was totally destroyed, the adjoining property was extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties were also damaged by the blast and debris.

“Three people were taken to hospital by ambulance and South Wales Police have confirmed that a search of the scene discovered the body of a person previously unaccounted for.

“South Wales Police, the Ambulance Service, the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, the Hazardous Area Response Team, the Emergency Medical Retrieval Transfer Service, the local authority, National Grid and Wales and West Utilities were also in attendance.

“As the nature of the incident moved from a search and rescue to recovery phase, multi-agency efforts revolved around making the scene safe by capping the gas supplies to the two affected properties to enable the cordon size to be reduced and for some residents to be allowed to return to their homes.

“The final crews left the scene at 2.37am on Tuesday, March 14^th.”

(Lead image: Rob Stewart)