Arabic version: اندلاع حريق كبير في مصنع تاتا ستيل في بورت تابليت

According to BBC News,

A significant fire has erupted at the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot, prompting local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. The blaze started at one of the Port Talbot site’s processing lines at about 20:00 BST on Wednesday, with all staff evacuated safely, according to Tata Steel. Emergency services, including South Wales Police, are actively managing the situation as firefighters continue to battle the flames.

Large plumes of smoke are visible from the site, affecting the surrounding area. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham reported that the incident caused substantial damage to a vital production line. Fire services have described the ongoing situation as hazardous, urging the public to avoid the area to facilitate the work of emergency responders.

Around 100 responders from Rapid Relief Team UK have been on-site, providing support to the crews. They served 125 hot meals overnight to assist those fighting the fire. A spokesperson from the team noted that part of the building has collapsed, complicating efforts to control the blaze.

Tata Steel confirmed that the fire is not linked to the controlled demolition of an old gas holder that took place the same evening. The company expressed gratitude to its staff and the emergency services for their prompt response. Sharon Graham emphasized the importance of protecting jobs at Tata and in the supply chain during this period of disruption, while also calling for swift rebuilding of operations.