'Apocalyptic' Tata Steel fire sees 'substantial' damage to production line

People living near the Tata Steel plant in south Wales have been asked to stay indoors after a "major" fire broke out.

Large plumes of smoke were visible from the site and could be seen across the surrounding area.

South Wales Police said emergency services remained at the scene on Thursday and were working to manage the incident.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the incident had caused "substantial damage" to a "vital production line".

Rapid Relief Team UK (RRT) said "around 100 responders faced an incredibly demanding and hazardous night's work".

On Thursday morning Mid and West Wales Fire Service said the incident remained "ongoing" and the area should be avoided to allow access for emergency services.

Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed "if there is smoke in the area".

Siân Thomas, who lives in Margam, said she could see the fire from her window.

She recalled hearing a loud bang on Wednesday night that "frightened everybody and the animals", followed by the sound of alarms.

"The smoke got thicker and the sky was black," she said.

Thomas said she was "so grateful" to the fire brigade for bringing the blaze under control and working throughout the night to extinguish it.

"It was the not knowing what to do and the sirens going till early hours in the morning," she added.

Councillor Kellie Evans, who was driving along the road near the fire, described the scene as "very apocalyptic".

She said she "couldn't see the flames because the sky was so black", adding that many drivers pulled over to look.

In a statement, RRT UK said volunteers arrived within 90 minutes of the callout and served 125 hot meals overnight to keep crews supported as they continued their work.

"We are grateful to every responder who attended this challenging incident," it added.

In a video posted on X, a member of the RRT team said part of the building has "collapsed in" making it challenging for crews to control and contain the fire.

"A lot of the building has fallen on top trapping the fire underneath," they added.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said she was thankful "no one was injured in the fire" and "workers were evacuated safely".

Graham also called for measures to be put in place to protect jobs both at Tata and down the supply chain during any period of disruption.

"Meanwhile we are asking Tata and the government to ensure that operations are rebuilt as swiftly as possible," she added.

Tata Steel said the fire was not linked to the controlled demolition of an old gas holder on Wednesday evening.

The company thanked site staff and emergency services for their "prompt and professional action".