UPDATE : Explosion in Morriston, Swansea

South Wales Police can confirm that a body has been recovered from the scene of an explosion which happened at Clydach Road in Morriston at 11.20am this morning.

A search of the scene discovered the body of a man who was previously unaccounted for. His family has been informed.

An investigation will now get underway to establish the cause of the incident. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Two properties were extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties were also damaged. Three people were taken to hospital by ambulance.

A multi-agency command room is co-ordinating the emergency response to the incident at Swansea Central Police Station.

A rest centre has been set up by the local authority at Morriston Memorial Hall to support those affected.

A cordon remains in place and people are asked to avoid the area. It is necessary to keep the cordon in place due to the ongoing risk to the public and the amount of debris which is blocking access roads.

Clydach Road remains closed, and traffic is being diverted. A number of homes in the Cwm Arian area are currently only accessible via pedestrian routes near the Lidl supermarket and DFS store due to vehicle access off Clydach Road being blocked and concerns over the gas main which is currently being made safe by contactors on site. Once this work is complete it will be possible to restore controlled vehicle access.

Superintendent Steve Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has lost his life and those affected by this tragic incident. We are doing everything possible to reduce the impact on the wider community and allow access to homes as quickly as possible where it is safe to do so.

“I would like to thank the community for the patience and support during what is a challenging incident.”