Mold explosion: Huge blast rips through chemical factory as firefighters scramble
Witnesses claim that eight or nine blasts ripped through the factory as huge plumes of black smoke fills the air.
Moment 'explosion' heard during fire at Mold factory
Firefighters have rushed to the scene after "eight or nine" huge blasts ripped through a chemical factory in North Wales.
North Wales Police are urging locals to stay away and to keep their windows and doors shut after the massive fire broke out at Synthite in Mold, Flintshire.
The force said in a post on social media: “Due to an ongoing incident at Synthite in Mold can all residents in the Mold area please keep their doors and windows closed.”
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Pictures shows firefighters on the scene
Firefighters are damping down at the scene in Mold.
Dramatic footage from the scene
Insane video from the scene shows the huge blaze sending thick smoke into the air.
A view of the large fire at the #Synthite chemical plant in #Mold today. People living nearby have been urged to keep windows and doors closed. pic.twitter.com/Bb4xQISmz0
\u2014 LeaderLive (@leaderlive) April 30, 2024
Local councillor praises emergency services
Local Cllr Brian Lloyd said: "It is scary for the community but fair play to the emergency services, they have been very quick to respond to this. They are doing a great job."
Travel chaos as police close road while emergency services tackle incident
Heavy traffic has been reported on the A541, the AA has warned.
The agency said: "Road closed and heavy traffic due to building fire on A541 both ways from Dreflan to Black Brook."
Witness says 'many surrounding buildings are evacuated'
Emily Jones said she rushed to pick up her partner from a company near the incident.
She said that the building her partner was in was "quickly evacuated as well as many others surrounding".
She added: "My partner works in 'Morgans' acorss the way from there they were all evacuated in the buildings surrounding pretty fast.
"The crews are doing a brilliant job of bringing it under control but as he was putting away items in the yard, he heard a fair few explosions going off.
"[I've] never driven so fast in my life to pick him up from work, all safe and hopefully all others in area will be as well."
What is Synthite?
Synthite has been on the site in Mold, Wales, producing chemicals since the 50s, having been founded in 1920.
These include formaldehyde and chemicals used in agriculture.
Firm issues statement
A Synthite spokesperson said: “We can confirm that there has been an incident at Synthite, Alyn Works, Denbigh Road, Mold.
“We are assisting the emergency services accordingly and we will issue more details when further information is available.”
Hazardous material Unit attend the scene - Fire service statement in full
The statement reads: "We were called at 14.06 to a fire at a factory on Denbigh Road, Mold.
"Four crews, the Incident Command Unit, the Hazardous material Unit and the Aerial Ladder Platform are in attendance tackling reports of a fire in the production area.
"Local residents are being asked to close windows and doors and avoid the area due to smoke and as a precautionary measure."
Police close road - statement in full
North Wales Police shared a statement on social media: "Due to an ongoing incident at Synthite in Mold can all residents in the Mold area please keep their doors and windows closed.
"Note that the A541 is closed from the junction with Dreflan to the junction with Black Brook Road Rhyd y Goleu."
What do we know so far?
Four fire crews are on the scene tackling a huge blaze that broke out at the Synthite factory on Denbigh Road, Mold, Flintshire, at about 2:05pm.
North Wales Police have closed the A541 from the junction with Dreflan to the junction with Black Brook Road Rhyd y Goleu.