FIRE FIGHTERS have now extinguished the fire, involving a freight train, near Pontarddulais Road, Llangennech, Carmarthenshire. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service handed over the scene to British Transport Police and Network Rail at 08:30am on Friday 28th August 2020.
Superintendent Andy Morgan of British Transport Police said: “Overnight, officers from British Transport Police, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ambulance service and Carmarthenshire County Council dealt with a major incident on the railway line near Llangennech.
“We have launched an investigation and will be assisting the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the exact circumstances behind the incident.
“What we know is a freight train, carrying large amounts of diesel oil, caught fire and a number of its carriages also derailed. Thankfully, despite the clear danger, no injuries have been reported. The two members of railway staff operating the train were able raise the alarm and uncouple the locomotive and move it to a safe space.
“The fire was significant due to the quantity of fuel it was carrying and presented a possible danger to the wider community.
“As a precaution, roads were shut, and Dyfed-Powys Police evacuated a large number of homes within a radius of the fire.
“I believe around 300 people were affected and I’d like to thank everyone for their understanding and quick action in what must have been a frightening time.
“At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown and, while the fire continues, there is still a substantial risk within its immediate vicinity, so our advice remains for people to avoid the area.
“Our officers are conducting initial enquiries and are in the process of collecting key witness statements and CCTV. Once the fire is extinguished, and the scene is safe to assess and investigate, they’ll be assisting the ORR and RAIB further at the scene.
“This was and remains a very challenging incident. I’d like to thank all of our partners for their ongoing support and work to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.”
Farmers, landowners and cockle pickers near to the derailment were warned by Natural Resources Wales that “they will not be able to carry on as normal tomorrow”, as the extent of the spillage was assessed.
The Loughor River, near to the site of the derailment, marks the border between Carmarthenshire and Swansea and reports of diesel oil floating on the surface of the river began to come in on Thursday afternoon and throughout the evening.
The Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery encompasses the Loughor Estuary and three other Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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