30 coaches in Merthyr depot destroyed in huge blaze

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Dewi Jones from South Wales Fire Service described the emergency response

A huge blaze has swept through a depot in Merthyr Tydfil, destroying 30 coaches, five minibuses and a car.

The inferno triggered a series of explosions at First Call Coaches at Pant Industrial Estate on Sunday.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze which started shortly after 01:00 GMT.

South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue are investigating, with a spokesman calling it "a scene of devastation".

By the time fire crews arrived, the blaze had spread to the main workshop.

"It was a scene of devastation. Various vehicles had minor explosions," a fire service spokesman said.

"Prompt action prevented a fire from spreading to surrounding businesses."

A police spokesman said: "The neighbouring A465 was closed to traffic due to smoke and debris on the road and diversions were put in place."

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The burnt out shells of the coaches at Pant Industrial Estate in Merthyr Tydfil

Image source, Empics
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Firefighters at the scene of the huge blaze

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Firefighters assess the damage after the huge blaze at First Call Coaches in Merthyr Tydfil

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The fire also spread into the main workshop

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Some of the burnt-out coaches

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Firefighters at the scene of the burnt-out coaches

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Fire damage to the main workshop with some of the destroyed coaches

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The road near the Pant Industrial Estate has been closed