A devastating incident occurred in Tredegar when a small business owner, Joshua Jones, discovered that his newly purchased burger van had been destroyed in a fire during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Joshua, who operates The Munch Stop burger vans, suspects that the fire was a deliberate act of arson. The 27-year-old, who transitioned from being a bailiff to pursuing his passion for cooking and local produce amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, was heartbroken upon receiving a call at 2 am informing him of the fire.
Upon arriving at the scene on Sirhowy Hill, Joshua was confronted with the sight of his beloved van engulfed in flames. Not only was the van ruined by the fire, but Joshua also observed three large gas canisters placed against it. Overwhelmed by the incident, Joshua expressed his disbelief, stating, “It’s heartbreaking. I got home at about three o’clock in the morning and I haven’t slept yet because of the adrenaline. I sat on the settee and just cried.”
Having purchased the van just three months prior with the aim of expanding his successful business, the timing could not have been worse as Joshua’s wife is currently eight months pregnant. He shared, “We were just hoping to bring in some extra money while my wife was on maternity leave, now that idea has literally gone up in smoke.”
Despite still having his old van to rely on, Joshua voiced concerns about the financial strain imposed by the fire, especially with their insurance unlikely to cover the loss. The van, which cost £17,000, represented a significant investment for the family, and its destruction has dealt a severe blow to their plans just weeks before their first child is due.
In the wake of the tragedy, an outpouring of support has emerged for Joshua and The Munch Stop, with a GoFundMe page established to aid the family. Additionally, another business has reached out to donate brand new fryers to assist in getting The Munch Stop back on its feet. Reflecting on the community’s response, Joshua acknowledged the generosity amidst challenging times, remarking, “It’s amazing that people are trying to help us get back up and running.”
The South Wales Fire & Rescue Service confirmed their response to the incident, while Gwent Police are actively investigating the arson. Concerned parties with information are urged to come forward to assist in the investigation. Despite the setback, Joshua remains determined to persevere and rebuild his business, bolstered by the solidarity and compassion shown by the community during this trying time.