'Apocalyptic' fire breaks out at Tata Steel plant hours after tower is demolished in controlled explosion

Published: 11:27, 4 June 2026 | Updated: 11:29, 4 June 2026 An 'apocalyptic' blaze has broken out at a steelworks hours after a tower was demolished in a controlled explosion. Emergency services were called to Tata Steel in Port Talbot, Wales, after plumes of black smoke were seen billowing into the air near a motorway yesterday evening. Striking images show the building engulfed in orange flames and hues of bright red. Locals have now been warned to stay indoors and keep windows shut and motorists told to use alternative routes. Driver Kellie Evans said: 'You couldn't see the flames because the sky was so black.' The fire was sparked at around 8pm yesterday before staff were evacuated from the site. Bosses at the firm say the inferno was not linked to a controlled demolition of a gas holder that had taken place earlier in the evening. In striking images, the building can be seen engulfed in bright red flames Emergency services were called to Tata Steel in Port Talbot, Wales, after plumes of black smoke were seen billowing into the air near a motorway Locals have now been warned to stay indoors and keep windows shut while motorists were told to use alternative routes South Wales Police said emergency services remain at the scene. Tata Steel thanked site staff and emergency services for their 'prompt and professional action'. South Wales Police said: 'Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident at Tata Steel, Port Talbot. Large plumes of smoke are visible in the area. 'Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Thank you for your patience.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.