Pontypool factory evacuated after ‘substance leak’
Written by Dan Williams on 27th January 2021
A factory has been evacuated after reports of a “very strong smell of ammonia” in Torfaen.
Update from Torfaen Council as of 12:15:
The incident is confined to the factory, with a small spill and drip on a tank of ammonia in a plant room.
For now, if you can smell the ammonia, the advice remains to stay indoors and close windows and doors. It’s only toxic in a confined space, the smell is bad but not dangerous.
There were no evacuations needed and the road now open.
Update from Gwent Police as of 11:45am:
Emergency services remain at the scene of a commercial premise in Pontyfelin Industrial Estate, New Inn, Pontypool.
A multi-agency response is underway following a report of a substance leak (ammonia) within a commercial premise shortly before 8am.
The building was evacuated earlier this morning and all staff are accounted for.
No injuries have been reported.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working to contain the substance.
Local residents are being advised to avoid the area at this time and to please keep windows and doors closed as a safety precaution.
Anyone was required to evacuate has been contacted directly by officers.
The A4042 between the Rechem roundabout and New Inn (both directions) is now open.
Updates to follow.
ORIGINAL: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they have sent 15 vehicles to a “substance leak” at a commercial premises on the Pontyfelin Industrial Estate at New Inn, near Pontypool.
People living nearby have been urged to shut windows and doors.
Emergency services are asking people to avoid the area and the main A4042 road between Cwmbran and Pontypool is shut.
The fire service said it received reports of the substance leak at about 07:50 GMT and is responding on a “multi-agency basis with our partners to contain the substance”.
Torfaen Council wrote on Twitter: “There is a very strong smell of ammonia in the area so it will be advisable to close windows and doors.”
Gwent Police tweeted to ask people to find an alternative route as work with the fire service continues.
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