Neath explosion: Woman 'in a terrible state'

A woman was left "in a terrible state" after a suspected gas explosion at her home.

The blast, which happened at about 20:30 GMT on Monday in Waunceirch, Neath, caused extensive damage to the block of flats where the woman lived.

South Wales Police said a 55-year-old woman had been taken to hospital with non-life threatening burn injuries.

Wales and West Utilities said the explosion was not related to the mains gas network.

Neighbour Melissa Jeffreys, 47, said the roof of the Waun Las block of flats was "blown off altogether".

Arrangements have been made to house the building's residents until it is deemed safe.

The blast happened on Monday night

Mrs Jeffreys, 47, said she was alerted to the explosion by a bang and then saw flames coming from the building.

• Block of flats evacuated after explosion

She described seeing her neighbour after the blast.

"She was in a terrible state and had lost most of her hair," she said. "It was awful but I think she is going to be all right."

Three other people needed to be evacuated from their homes.

Mrs Jeffreys, who lives opposite the building, said: "The roof was blown off altogether, everyone inside was very lucky to survive."

The fire service is investigating what happened

Another neighbour, Jacky Fish, said: "I just heard a big bang and when I went out the back door I saw a big fire and the roof was off, and I knew it was a big explosion. Everyone was running to the flats to make sure everyone in there was ok.

"It sounded like a bomb going off and I knew it wasn't a car accident."

Ms Fish said she had not yet been allowed back into her house.

She added: "I understand the flat where the explosion happened, the lady had only just moved in. She's been in a week so I don't know her but I know the people underneath and they were all in shock."

'Caved in'

Gareth Lewis, who lives around the corner from the flats, thought the noise was caused by a lorry smash at first before he saw the smoke.

"It's really bad but it's lucky everyone got out because when you see the state of the building you think it'll have to be pulled down now."

Bryncoch South Councillor Jo Hale told BBC Radio Wales the roof of the building "had totally caved in", the front of the property was "bulging" and the windows had been blown out.

Councillor Jo Hale said the windows on the property had been blown out

She added: "I spoke to quite a few people and they were all quite shocked by how loud the explosion was."

A joint investigation is under way between South Wales Police and Mid and West Wales fire service to determine the cause.

Wales and West Utilities said the gas supply to the affected property had been isolated.

Steve Williams, emergency service manager for the supplier, said: "We have now carried out tests and can confirm that the explosion was not related to the mains gas network. We will continue to support the emergency services as they investigate the cause of this explosion."