Fire on derailed train could burn for days and delay investigation

A fire on a derailed freight train carrying motor diesel and gas oil could burn for several days, it has been claimed.

Two people escaped unhurt after they uncoupled the locomotive from its burning wagons as they passed through Llangennech, near Llanelli, South Wales, at around 11.20pm on Wednesday.

The cause of the incident is unknown, with investigators having to wait for the fire affecting three wagons to be extinguished.

There are also fears that diesel spillage into the nearby River Loughor could spell disaster for the local cockle fishery industry, with the Foods Standards Agency advising the closure of shellfish beds in the area’s estuary.

The train, owned by DB Cargo UK, was transporting “large amounts” of diesel between the Robeston oil refinery in Milford Haven and the fuel distribution terminal in Theale, Berkshire.

Witnesses described hearing a loud bang before seeing the fire, which led to 999 crews being called out. Officers declared a major incident and knocked on the doors of houses in an 800-metre exclusion zone, asking about 300 people to move to the nearby Bryn School and Llangennech Community Centre.

People were allowed to return to their homes after 5am on Thursday. A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue said it was “very difficult to say when the fire will be extinguished” due to the quantity of diesel on site. He added: “We can’t say yes or no to whether it will be a few days.”

DC Cargo UK said its priority was to “maintain the safety of the public and minimise any environmental damage from this unfortunate incident”.

Picture: PA. The cause of an incident which resulted in a fire on a derailed freight train near Llanelli is unknown.