A person has tragically died following a severe house fire in the Rhondda Cynon Taf village of Glenboi, near Mountain Ash, in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Emergency Response in the Early Hours
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received an emergency call at 1.39am on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Crews rushed to the property on Aberdare Road, where they were confronted with a "well-developed" blaze. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the flames under control, deploying five water ladders at the scene.
Concurrently, South Wales Police officers closed surrounding roads and took the precautionary measure of evacuating residents from neighbouring homes for their safety. The fire caused extensive damage to the property, with sections of the structure having collapsed.
Fatal Discovery and Ongoing Scene
Once the intensity of the fire was reduced, a devastating discovery was made. A person was found deceased inside the home. The identity of the individual has not been released at this time.
The incident remains ongoing, with fire crews and specialist resources, including urban search and rescue and fire investigation officers, still in attendance. A police cordon is firmly in place around the scene on Aberdare Road, which authorities have warned will remain closed for some time while operations continue.
Joint Investigation Launched
A joint investigation into the cause of the fatal fire is now underway. South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are leading the probe, with support from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Crime scene and fire investigators are poised to begin their detailed examination of the property once it has been declared structurally safe to enter. A police spokeswoman extended the force's sympathies, stating: "Our thoughts are with the family and community during this difficult time."
