Three in hospital after gas explosion rips through flat destroying entire front

30 April 2023 , 17:19

1060     0

Emergency services scrambled to the scene after the top floor blasted off in the explosion (Image: UKNIP)

Two men and a woman have been rushed to hospital after their street was rocked by a huge explosion.

The suspected gas blast blew out the front of a top floor flat above a chicken shop, sending glass and wood flying onto the road.

A fire erupted in the aftermath of the incident which took place just before 1.30pm on Sunday in Southall, west London.

Devastating images show the roof completely destroyed with bricks and rubble scattered across the pavement below.

The condition of the three injured people is not yet known and others are being treated by paramedics at the scene.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Neighbouring homes and shops were evacuated as a precaution by the London Fire Brigade and Met Police.

While the main road remains blocked in both directions, with buses on diversion, reports My London.

Residents were evacuated from their homes after the roof of a neighbouring building blew off in the blast (UkNewsinPictures)

Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines raced to the scene from Southall and Feltham in a bid to secure the building.

The Brigade said the first floor and roof of the two-storey building "suffered significant structural damage" before the fire erupted following the blast.

Officers were called to reports of "a suspected gas explosion" at 1.27pm and emergency services remain at the scene.

The entire first floor was destroyed in the suspected gas explosion (UKNIP)

A spokesperson for the force added: "Road closures are in place and people are advised to avoid the area at this time."

Station Commander Simon Horn, who was at the scene, said: "Crews were joined by our Urban Search and Rescue team using specialist equipment to carry out a systematic search of the property.

"They were able to confirm that everyone has been accounted for.

Debris was sent cascading onto the road (UkNewsinPictures)

"Initial crews worked quickly in a challenging situation to extinguish the fire. Although the fire has now been extinguished, a cordon of around 50 metres will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the area."

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received eight calls about the incident.

Disabled woman paralysed after falling from wheelchair on plane walkway dies

Officials said the cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Six fire engines with 40 firefighters were sent to the scene (UKNIP)

An LFB spokesperson said: "The first floor and roof of a two-storey building with a shop and flats above has suffered significant structural damage as a result of the building partially collapsing.

"Part of the first floor and roof was damaged by a fire which occurred following the explosion.

"Two men and a woman left the building before firefighters arrived.

The exact cause of the explosion is currently unknown (UkNewsinPictures)

"They have been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

"There were no reports of any other injuries. Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution."

Laura Sharman