Devastated family’s tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ who died after explosion
THE person killed after an explosion and fire at an industrial estate in Treforest has been named as 40-year-old Danielle Evans, with her family paying tribute to a “whirlwind of a woman” and a “beautiful soul”.
Her body was found at the site of the blast in Treforest Industrial Estate in Severn Road on Thursday, December 14.
South Wales Police is working with the fire service and Health and Safety Executive colleagues to establish the cause of the incident at the Rizla House building.
Formal identification of Danielle’s body has taken and her family was being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.
It is appealing for help from any witnesses to the explosion, which happened at around 7pm on Wednesday.
Danielle’s family has paid the following tribute: “Dan was a whirlwind of a woman. She leaves a gaping hole in her family and friends’ hearts, which will never be replaced. She was an intelligent, caring and beautiful soul.
“She started her own successful laboratory business - Celtic Food Labs. Poured her heart and soul into it, but the most important things to her were her husband, family, dogs and friends!”
They added: “She was a fiercely loyal and loving wife. The best friend anyone could hope for.
“She met strangers and friends with the same positive, infectious and loving energy.
“She pulled you into her orbit like nobody you will ever meet or will again. A magnet that pulled us all together. Her passions were science, camping, partying with her friends and quality time with her beloved family.
“She was an amazing aunty and cherished every second with her nieces. She came from a loving family and was so close to her mum, dad, brother, aunties and uncles, her love was boundless.
“She touched so many lives. She will be so sorely missed but my word, do we all have some amazing memories that we made and cherish!
“We would like to give a big heartfelt thank you to all of the emergency services who attended and who are involved with the incident, your efforts throughout have been professional and heroic. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Detective Superintendent Richard Jones said: “Our thoughts remain with Danielle’s family, friends and work colleagues, at what is a very difficult time for them.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies.
“The patience and understanding of the businesses in Treforest Industrial Estate and local residents is very much appreciated whilst this work remains ongoing.”
Following the explosion and outbreak of the blaze, a major incident was declared by emergency services, with the two-storey building described as “totally alight” and “at risk of collapse” by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
South Wales Police said it was working with fire service and Health and Safety Executive colleagues to establish the cause.
A Major Incident Public Portal has been created to allow the public to upload mobile phone, CCTV or other video footage, as well as any other information they may hold which could assist in the investigation.
Anyone who may have video footage of the explosion is asked to submit it to the investigation team at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/ 62SWP23B79-PO1
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information and has not yet spoken to police to come forward and I would ask for anyone with any CCTV, Ring doorbell footage or dashcam footage to get in touch.”
Rizla House was home to around 13 businesses but the explosion and fire have left the building completely destroyed with occupants now unsure of what the future holds.
Some operators say they have lost everything while gym-goers using the second floor gym had a lucky escape when the explosion blew the doors off, knocked radiators off walls and rained rubble down on the car park. A fundraiser has been set up. Tattoo artist Lucy Artiss, 40, who works at Sixteen Circles in Rizla House, told the PA news agency on
Thursday: “What I know is the explosion destroyed the entrance. Our tattoo shop is destroyed as well as the gym.
“I left just before it happened so I didn’t witness it,” she said, adding that her co-worker, his client and gym staff “all managed to get out of the fire exit. It was a lovely place, had a wonderful family feel to it. I’m gutted to have lost that.”
Tim Phipps uses a 2,000 square foot storage unit on the ground floor of the building to operate his business, PG Sound, which rents out audio and visual equipment such as projectors and speakers to the events industry.
The 43-year-old, from Pontypridd, said: “People’s whole livelihoods have gone up in smoke, so the future is quite uncertain.”
Proceeds from the GoFundMe fundraiser will go towards the gym, as well as other businesses, including the tattoo studio, a sports massage therapist and a barbershop.
The GoFundMe page reads: “Our tight-knit community has recently faced an unimaginable tragedy – a devastating fire that has left some local businesses in ruins.
“The flames not only consumed the structure that housed our dreams but also took away the livelihoods of the hardworking individuals who poured their hearts and souls into a place we called our second home.
“In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, we find ourselves standing together in the face of adversity, determined to rise from the ashes. The road to recovery is long, but with your help, these businesses can rebuild.
“Your generous contribution to this GoFundMe page will make a significant impact on the lives of those suffering with the loss of income.
“The funds raised will be directed towards offering immediate relief to those who have lost their means of livelihood. Providing financial support to the self-employed is crucial, especially during the Christmas season, when the devastation is even more profound.
“Every pound helps and no contribution is too small.
“By coming together as a community, we can turn tragedy into triumph.
“Thank you for your unwavering support, together we can rebuild, recover and restore a place we all love.”