A huge fire ripped through the Treforest Industrial Estate, in Wales
A scientist was crushed to death when an explosion ripped through her laboratory.
Danielle Evans, 40, was a microbiologist who ran her own business in a building which caught fire on the Treforest Industrial Estate on December 14.
The explosion destroyed 13 units in the building, and one person was unaccounted for until Danielle’s body was found the next day.
An inquest into her death opened today and Pontypridd coroner’s court heard that the police investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
Senior coroner Graeme Hughes said he is expecting to receive an update from the force by the end of March.
He said a pathologist gave Danielle’s provisional cause of death as traumatic asphyxia.
Danielle’s body was found the day after the explosion
The explosion damaged 13 units in the building at the industrial estate
Company director Danielle was believed to be finishing work at the family-run food testing business when she was caught up in the explosion.
Her body was found the day after the explosion after firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.
Her family paid tribute to her for starting the business – and being fiercely loyal and loving.
They said: ‘Dan was a whirlwind of a woman. She leaves a gaping hole in her family and friends’ hearts, which will never be replaced. She was an intelligent, caring and beautiful soul.
‘She started her own successful laboratory business – Celtic Food Labs. Poured her heart and soul into it, but the most important things to her were her husband, family, dogs and friends!
‘She was a fiercely loyal and loving wife. The best friend anyone could hope for. She met strangers and friends with the same positive, infectious and loving energy.
Smoke poured into the sky
‘She pulled you into her orbit like nobody you will ever meet or will again. A magnet that pulled us all together.
‘Her passions were science, camping, partying with her friends and quality time with her beloved family. 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!
‘We would like to give a big heartfelt thank you to all of the emergency services who attended and who are involved with the incident, your efforts throughout have been professional and heroic.
‘We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.’
Detective Superintendent Richard Jones 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.
‘The patience and understanding of the businesses in Treforest Industrial Estate and local residents is very much appreciated whilst this work remains ongoing.’
‘Dan was a whirlwind of a woman. She leaves a gaping hole in her family and friends’ hearts, which will never be replaced.’