South Wales explosion: Tributes paid to Danielle Evans

A woman whose body was found at the site of an explosion in Treforest, south Wales, has been named as 40-year-old Danielle Evans.

Her body was found after a police search following the blast at Treforest Industrial Estate in Rhondda Cynon Taf on Wednesday evening.

In a tribute, her family said she was a "whirlwind of a woman".

They said she was a "fiercely loyal and loving wife" and an "intelligent, caring and beautiful soul".

They added she had started her own business, Celtic Food Labs, saying she "poured her heart and soul into it, but the most important things to her were her husband, family, dogs and friends".

"She met strangers and friends with the same positive, infectious and loving energy, she pulled you into her orbit like nobody you will ever meet or will again, a magnet that pulled us all together."

They said her passions were science, camping, partying with her friends and quality time with her beloved family.

Her family added: "She was an amazing aunty and cherished every second with her nieces.

"She came from a loving family and was so close to her mum, dad, brother, aunties and uncles - her love was boundless.

"She touched so many lives. She will be so sorely missed but, my word, do we all have some amazing memories that we made and cherish."

At least one building was destroyed and a major incident declared after the "massive" blast on Severn Road at about 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The fire was in a 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m) warehouse called Rizla House which houses 13 commercial units including a gym, a towel manufacturer and a telecoms service company.

Ms Evans's business was based at Rizla House.

She founded Celtic Food Laboratories, which specialised in the microbial testing of food, in 2009.

Floral tributes were left at the site on Friday, while tributes have been paid to Ms Evans on social media.

Det Supt Richard Jones of South Wales Police said: "Our thoughts remain with Danielle's family, friends and work colleagues, at what is a very difficult time for them.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies."

He thanked businesses and residents for their patience and understanding.

The force added that it was working with the fire service and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to establish the cause of the explosion.

It said there were no other reports of serious injuries.

A business affected by the blaze, Mindset Gym, posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the lady's family and community after such a tragic accident.

"Mindset will do everything to show support to the lady's family and keep her legacy alive."

Police have appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact them.

Earlier on Friday, Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones reiterated her call to prevent the sharing of distressing images and speculation on social media.

"This week has been incredibly challenging for our community, but we all have a role to play in looking after each other during this very difficult time," she said.