Llangennech residents flee homes after huge blaze engulfs train

Wales news: A train has caught fire in Llangennech, leading police to order homes to evacuate (Image: missjones1994/Twitter)

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Harrowing pictures and footage from social media showed billowing smoke and flames reaching into the sky over Llangennech. A local councillor has said a major incident has been declared as a result of the fire. Police have cordoned off roads and advised people to avoid the area. The huge fire was reported just after 11:20pm on Wednesday.

According to the police, three carriages of the large diesel train caught alight. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Dyfed-Powys Police Superintendent Ross Evans said, Emergency services are tackling the blaze at Llangennech near LlanelliThis is a fast moving situation which has been declared a major incident. There are a significant number of emergency services personnel at the scene, and an evacuation zone has been put in place. Officers are in contact with people within that area asking them to leave their homes, and we urge people to comply with officers' requests to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation. We are working closely with our colleagues at British Transport Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Carmarthenshire Council and Natural Resources Wales to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

Mr Evans added updates will come as the situation progresses. Local county councillor Gary Jones also alerted locals to the incident.

He wrote on Facebook a major incident had been declared. At 5:27am, residents were told they could return to their homes. Fire is under control, but there are still road closures so get travel updates before setting out.

As a result of the blaze, an 800 metre evacuation zone was put in place. Nearby residents were told to convene at Bryn School and Llangennech Community Centre.

One Twitter user noted they spotted at least 14 Fire Engines, 4 Ambulances, 12 Police Cars/Vans. As a result of the blaze, an 800 metre evacuation zone was put in place. Nearby residents were told to convene at Bryn School and Llangennech Community Centre.