Hundreds flee their homes as diesel train bursts into flames sending giant smoke cloud into night sky – with families forced to sleep in evacuation centres
- Huge blaze in Llangennech, near Llanelli, broke out at around 11pm last night
- Homes were evacuated after ‘major incident,’ was declared on railway line
- British Transport Police confirmed a large diesel freight train had caught fire
Hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes as a diesel train burst into flames, sending a giant smoke cloud into the night sky – with families forced to sleep in a nearby evacuation centre.
British Transport Police said crews were dealing with the blaze in Llangennech, near Llanelli, after being called at around 11.20pm on Wednesday.
Three carriages of the train were alight and an evacuation zone was put in place, according to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Gary Jones, a county councillor in Carmarthenshire, posted on Facebook saying ‘A major incident on the railway line has been declared.’
Local homes were evacuated and sent to a nearby school, emergency services remain on the scene.
A major incident was declared in Llangennech last night after a diesel freight train caught fire
British Transport Police said: ‘Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on the railway near Llangennech #Wales.
‘A large diesel freight train has caught fire.
‘A cordon is in place, with roads closed and surrounding homes being evacuated. Please avoid the area.’
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were contacting people living in the evacuation area and asking them to leave their homes and convene at Bryn School.
Superintendent Ross Evans said: ‘This is a fast-moving situation, which has been declared a major incident.
‘There are a significant number of emergency services personnel at the scene, and an evacuation zone has been put in place.
‘Officers are in contact with people within that area asking them to leave their homes, and we urge people to comply with officers’ requests to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation.’