The youngsters were urgently evacuated from the playgroup as thick black smoke was seen billowing from the building
Young children had to be swiftly evacuated from a playgroup in a primary school after a blaze ripped through the building.
Dozens of children were in the Welsh premises for a club during the summer holidays. Huge flames could be seen pouring out of the building and thick black smoke billowed from the windows on Wednesday morning.
Staff at Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot fortunately evacuated all the youngsters, who were attending the Lots of Tots holiday school, which was being held in a separate part of the building, while fire crews raced to the scene to battle the blaze just after 10am.
The group will be cancelled for the rest of the week as a result of the fire, Wales Online reports.
A post from the group said thanked staff “for their calm and professional evacuation of the children”.
A video shows flames billowing from a window of the primary school, where scaffolding is currently erected.
Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations worked to bring the blaze under control, before leaving the scene at around 12.45pm.
A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 10.10am on Wednesday, July 22, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations were called to an incident at Awel Y Mor Primary School, Port Talbot.
“Crews responded to a fire within Sandwich Panels of the school. Crews utilised four breathing apparatus sets and two hose reel jets, turntable ladder and water bowser to extinguish the fire.
“Crews left the scene at 12.43pm.”
A post from the Lots of Tots group read: “Following the fire in the main school building, we’ll remain closed for the rest of this week. We’ll assess the damage and plan for the safe return of children and staff to the undamaged playgroup. A reopening date or decision can’t be made until a full assessment is complete.
“Finally, a massive thank you to the staff for their calm and professional evacuation of the children and ensuring everyone’s safety.”
Neath Port Talbot Council has been approached for comment.
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