Wales train fire: Llangennech incident sees hundreds evacuated from homes

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes in south Wales after a large freight train believed to be carrying a large amount of diesel derailed and caught fire.

The enormous blaze shot flames high into the air above trees in Llangennech, near Llanelli, and a towering column of black smoke erupted from the fire which began at around 11.30pm on Wednesday night.

Two people known to be on board the train have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported, according to British Transport Police.

Three carriages of the train were alight and an evacuation zone was put in place, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

They said the fire had been declared a “major incident” because of the “initial risk of harm” to people nearby.

One person on Twitter said they could smell the burning fuel from over a mile away.

Footage taken on Thursday morning showed the fire continuing to burn as clouds of dense black smoke pour from the crash site.

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “This is a significant incident. Resources from across BTP, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police have been deployed to the scene to mitigate damage to the surrounding area and ensure the safety of all those living nearby.

“The fire continues and there is still a substantial risk within its immediate vicinity, so our advice remains for people to avoid the area.”

The force has announced an investigation into the incident is now underway.

“Our officers will be conducting initial enquiries into the incident and are in the process of securing key witness statements and CCTV.