THREE children are being treated in hospital after escaping a house fire in Powys.
A number of people are unaccounted and police have confirmed there are fatalities.
The children, aged 10, 12 and 13, escaped the blaze near Llangammarch Wells just after midnight on Monday (Oct 30) and are being treated in hospital.
Dyfed Powys Police described the scene as ‘chaotic’ and said officers are still unable to identify or confirm the number of those who have died, adding the cause of the blaze was unexplained.
A fire service statement said the children who escaped had non life-threatening injuries.
The statement says: “Due to the severity of damage at the scene we are unable at this stage to identify any of the deceased or confirm numbers.
“Specialist scientists and fire investigators are still assessing the scene prior to further investigation.”
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said its crews were faced with an “extremely difficult situation” at the scene and firefighters did all they could to handle the situation.
A spokesman told The Herald: “Our very deepest sympathies go out to the family and the residents of Llangammarch Wells following this tragic incident.”
Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the investigation into the fire and the recovery of the victims’ bodies would be difficult, describing the scene as “chaotic” with “significant” damage to the structure of the building, but said officers would work to provide answers about the cause of the blaze.
The Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns is among those who have paid tribute to those who have died in a fire in Llangammarch Wells earlier today. He told The Herald: “I am shocked by this incredibly sad news and my heart goes out to the family and friends of those involved in such a terrible incident.
The minister added: “I commend the bravery of the emergency services and the specialist teams as they diligently seek to establish the cause of this tragic incident.
“My office are in touch with Dyfed Powys police and have offered to support where possible.
Chris Davies, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire said: “I am absolutely devastated at today’s news that there was an overnight fire in Llangammarch Wells, which has claimed the lives of a father and his young children.
“As a father to two young girls, this news has shocked me to the core. My thoughts are with the family and local community at this terrible time.
“Our local emergency services were on the scene swiftly and have worked hard to put out the fire and identify who has been hurt. I will be keeping in close contact with the emergency services over the next 48 hours.
The father of the children, who is missing, has been named locally as David Cuthbertson.
Superintendent Jon Cummins said on Tuesday (Oct 31): “Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing to investigate and deal with the tragic house fire that occurred at Pointyn Farm, Llangammarch Wells, Powys shortly after midnight on Monday October 30. Specialist scientists and fire investigators continue to assess the scene, which is very complex and perilous.
“The 13, 12 and 10 year old children that managed to escape remain in hospital. None are in a life threatening condition, and they are being supported by specialist officers and family. Based on current information available to us, we are working on the hypothesis that 1 adult male and 5 children, aged between 11 and 4 years old, are unaccounted for and believed to be deceased within the house. Due to the severity of damage at the scene we are unable at this stage to identify any of the deceased.
“At this time we are treating the cause of the fire as unexplained. The family are our priority and they are being kept informed, and fully supported by specialist officers. They have asked that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult and traumatic time, and do not wish to be contacted in any way. They would also like to thank friends and locals for their support, sympathies and all kindness shown to them.
“Our officers and all our partners such as the fire service are working in extremely challenging conditions and circumstances, and I thank and commend them for their efforts. This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies are with the family and all those affected.”
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