A horrific explosion caused by faulty machinery at Treforest Industrial Estate has left a community grieving and seeking answers.
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On December 13, 2023, tragedy struck the Treforest Industrial Estate when a devastating explosion claimed the life of 40-year-old Danielle Evans. This heartbreaking event, linked to a malfunction in a Turkish-made calendar press machine, sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about the safety of industrial equipment.
Details of the Incident
The explosion rocked the area around 7 PM at a unit leased by Bursali Towels (UK) Ltd, a wholesaler specializing in towels. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as they hurried to escape the burning building, only to find their exit routes obstructed by debris and falling masonry.
Tragically, Danielle Evans, a highly regarded director at Celtic Food Laboratories, was caught in the blast, losing her life in a moment that has left many reeling.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the South Wales Fire Service has since provided a report outlining the explosion’s cause.
The faulty machine—a Diferro calendar press—contained a sealed drum filled with oil that overheated and ignited, resulting in the catastrophic failure.
UPDATE AT [timestamp]: Investigations by both the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are currently underway, focusing on potential design flaws in the machine and the safety protocols that were in place at the time.
Community Impact and Victim Profile
The loss of Evans has struck a deep chord with her family and the local community. Those who knew her describe her as a “loyal and loving wife” and “the best friend anyone could hope for.” Her untimely passing has created a significant void. Living in Gorseinon, Swansea, Evans was widely recognized for her dedication and contributions to the field of food microbiology.
Her business partner, Richard Lloyd, spoke fondly of her unwavering commitment and the immense effort they both invested in building Celtic Food Laboratories. Just before the explosion, the company had begun to thrive with a notable uptick in profits. The loss of Evans, along with the destruction of their equipment, represents not only a personal tragedy but a major setback for the business.
The family has voiced a strong desire for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. They are determined to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again, emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety regulations in the workplace.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Alerts
In the wake of the incident, the UK Government has issued a safety alert concerning Diferro calendar presses, indicating that several models pose serious risks of fire and explosion. This alert stems from findings uncovered during the ongoing investigation into the Treforest explosion. Authorities are urging suppliers to cease sales of these potentially dangerous machines until further notice.
Solicitor Nathan Buckley, representing Bursali Towels, made it clear that there is no implication of wrongdoing by the company or its employees. He confirmed that the machine was purchased brand new and met all safety certifications at the time of sale. However, the design flaw that allowed the drum pressure to rise unchecked has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of this equipment.
UPDATE AT [timestamp]: Investigators are working closely with the fire service and HSE to pinpoint the exact cause of the explosion. A public inquest into Evans’ death has been initiated but remains pending as authorities gather all necessary evidence.
As the community grieves the loss of a cherished individual, the family is tirelessly seeking justice and accountability, determined to honor Evans’ legacy through their pursuit of answers. This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of workplace safety and the devastating consequences of negligence.
