A car fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning escalated into an explosion that destroyed a popular card and gift shop in Bargoed, causing 'terrible damage' to the long-standing business.
Fire Spreads from Vehicle to Shop
Emergency services were called to Hanbury Street shortly before 2am after reports of a car on fire. Local councillor Dawn Ingram-Jones raised the alarm but said the car exploded and rolled downhill into Occasions, a card and gift shop, before fire crews could contain the blaze.
Ingram-Jones stated that the fire crews arrived within minutes but struggled to bring the fire under control. The shop sustained extensive damage, though no one was harmed, including residents of the flat above the shop.
Community Support for Business Owner
Ingram-Jones described Occasions as a 'well-loved' business that has been open for as long as she can remember. She expressed hope that the community would rally to support the owner, Sue, in getting the business back up and running. The owner of the car was reportedly 'devastated' by the incident.
Social Media Account of the Incident
In a social media post, Ingram-Jones detailed the timeline: 'I telephoned emergency services at 1.57am as car on fire at the side of Bargoed police station. By the time I got off the phone the car had exploded and rolled down the hill into Occasions card shop.' She praised the swift response of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service but noted it took time to control the fire.
The cause of the car fire remains unknown, and Ingram-Jones stated she could 'only hope that it wasn't malicious.' South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Gwent Police have been approached for statements.
