At least two people died in a blast at the Celsa steelworks in Cardiff, capital of Wales, on Wednesday, local police said.

Five people were also injured in the explosion that happened in the basement of Celsa Steel Britain on East Moors Road in Splott district of Cardiff, South Wales Police said.

Of the five injured, one was treated and discharged at the scene and four others were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, according to updates provided to media at the scene by local authorities on Wednesday evening.

"A recovery operation is now underway and police, fire and ambulance personnel remain at the scene," said Superintendent Stephen Jones from the South Wales Police.

"Our focus is on the recovery of the bodies, supporting the families and finding out what caused this to happen," he added.

Ian Greenman, area manager from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said "unfortunately we were unable to save two on-site personnel" despite heroic attempts.

The cause of the explosion was still under investigation. The South Wales Police confirmed there have been no further explosions in Cardiff.