30 coaches in Merthyr depot destroyed in huge blaze Published duration 28 December 2014

media caption Dewi Jones from South Wales Fire Service described the emergency response

A huge blaze has swept through a depot in Merthyr Tydfil, destroying 30 coaches, five minibuses and a car.

The inferno triggered a series of explosions at First Call Coaches at Pant Industrial Estate on Sunday.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze which started shortly after 01:00 GMT.

South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue are investigating, with a spokesman calling it "a scene of devastation".

By the time fire crews arrived, the blaze had spread to the main workshop.

"It was a scene of devastation. Various vehicles had minor explosions," a fire service spokesman said.

"Prompt action prevented a fire from spreading to surrounding businesses."

A police spokesman said: "The neighbouring A465 was closed to traffic due to smoke and debris on the road and diversions were put in place."

image caption The burnt out shells of the coaches at Pant Industrial Estate in Merthyr Tydfil

image copyright Empics image caption Firefighters at the scene of the huge blaze

image caption Firefighters assess the damage after the huge blaze at First Call Coaches in Merthyr Tydfil

image caption The fire also spread into the main workshop

image caption Some of the burnt-out coaches

image caption Firefighters at the scene of the burnt-out coaches

image caption Fire damage to the main workshop with some of the destroyed coaches

image caption The road near the Pant Industrial Estate has been closed