Two people taken to hospital after Blackburn gas explosion as homes evacuated

18 December 2023 , 10:27

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Two people have been hospitalised and 50 evacuated after the explosion reduced a terraced house to rubble (Image: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)

Two people were taken to hospital and nearby properties have been evacuated after a gas explosion at a property in Blackburn, authorities have said. A gas explosion levelled a property on London Road just before 8pm on Sunday with emergency services called to reports of a building collapse.

A man was caught in the blast which saw a terrace home on the street reduced to rubble the walls and roof of the house coming down around him. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said he was taken to Royal Preston Hospital to receive treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening. The council also said a second man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with minor injuries.

The blast on sunday night saw bricks and debris hurled into the street (X/@vocnorth)

Lancashire Police said nearby homes had been evacuated and urged people to avoid the area while investigations continue. The force said: "We were called at shortly before 8pm this evening to a report of a house collapse at an address on London Road and emergency services including police, fire and ambulance were quickly on the scene. One man was rescued from the property by firefighters and taken to hospital by ambulance. His injuries are not at this time thought to be life threatening.

"A number of nearby properties were evacuated, and a rest centre set up at the Noorani Education Centre on Hartley Street and we are really grateful to them for their support. We would ask people to avoid the area if they can." Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were dispatched from Blackburn and Hyndburn stations, as well as the Chorley Urban Search and Rescue Team.

The local council said 50 people had been evacuated as a precaution, but stressed there was no ongoing risk from either gas or the building collapse. Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The gas explosion must have been really frightening for everybody involved. I'm really sorry one family has lost their home and eight other families needed to be evacuated. I hope the man who was inside at the time makes a speedy recovery."

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He continued: "The Council has been working closely with all the other public services to respond to the explosion.
"I know that people in the community pulled together to make sure the 50 people who needed to leave their homes had a safe place to go last night which has helped tremendously. There will be welfare officers meeting with them to make sure they are supported."

PA