'Explosion' near Alton Towers destroys cabins and injures one - updates

One woman left with severe burns after holiday cottage explosion near Alton Towers

A log cabin was blown up as another two sustained damage after an explosion at a site near the Stoke on Trent theme park this afternoon.

One woman in her 50s was left with serious burns after the blast in Bradley in the Moors, in Alton, around four miles from the attraction, before being airlifted to hospital.

An elderly man was hailed as a hero by his son after he reportedly ran into danger to try and help the injured woman.

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Gas company Cadent issues statement

A Cadent spokesman said: “As the gas emergency service we were called to an incident in Bradley in the Moors at 1.10pm this afternoon. Our engineers were on site assisting the emergency services as is routine in incidents like this.

“Thorough checks have been made and the property affected was not connected to a mains gas supply. As such, the investigation into what has happened will be carried out by the emergency services when safe to do so.

“We would like to remind everyone that if they ever suspect a gas leak then they should call the Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999*. The number operates 24/7 and is free to call."

Exact details of damage revealed as one log cabin "blown up" in the blast

The full extent of the damage wrought by the explosion has now been revealed after a woman in her 50s was airlifted to hospital with severe burns.

The woman was reportedly in the log cabin which was completely destroyed by the blast. Another two holiday homes, also log cabins, were damaged.

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One woman in her 50s left 'badly burned' in blast

The fire crew involved in the rescue operation say that one woman, who is in her 50s, suffered "serious burns" and was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We have extinguished a fire at a holiday cottage in Alton this afternoon (December 29) following reports of a gas explosion.

"Crews from Longton and Hanley were sent to an address on Bradley Lane, Threapwood, shortly after 12.40pm. Our colleagues from Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service also went to the scene.

"Firefighters used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which was put out around 1.30pm. Emergency services carried out a search in the area to make sure everyone was accounted for in the neighbouring properties.

"A woman, in her 50s, suffered serious burns at the scene. She was taken to hospital by air ambulance. As a result of the explosion, the building was destroyed. Gas engineers came out and isolated the supply to make sure the area was left safe.

"An investigation into what caused the explosion is ongoing and emergency services will remain at the scene."

Son calls his dad a 'hero' after he ran towards the blast to save woman

Tommy Beardmore, 59, whose dad has the same name, recalled how his brave dad ran towards the explosion scene when he heard the blast ring out.

Tommy Junior told Stoke on Trent Live: "It happened at around lunch time. My dad was on the scene. He heard the explosions. Pieces were falling on him.

"It blew windows out on the nearby properties. My dad was on a walk nearby and went straight there. He wanted to go and help. Three log cabins were all destroyed, they were all over the place and in the trees. They've been there for about 10years.

"My dad helped a woman and he phoned the emergency services. All the properties around must have heard it. It's a disaster.

"I assume it was a gas explosion. When my dad told me I was terrified and hoping everyone was OK.

"I'm proud of my dad. He always taught me to run away from any danger but he runs to it even at his age. I'll have to give him a telling off when I see him. I don't know if anyone was in the cabins at the time."

Police vehicles at the scene

Staffordshire Police release statement

Local police have confirmed they're dealing with an incident, but didn't provide any more information about the circumstances of the reported explosion.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Emergency services are dealing with an incident on Bradley Lane in Threapwood. At this moment in time Bradley Lane is closed in both directions from the junction with the B5032 and from the junction with Sandy Lane. Please find alterbative routes at this time."

Fire crews warn people to avoid the area

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We are currently dealing with an incident on Bradley Lane in Alton and are advising people to avoid the area. We were called at 12.42pm and have sent crews to the scene alongside Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service."

Eyewitnesses recall seeing log cabins destroyed in blast

Tommy Beardmore, 59, says his dad, also Tommy Beardmore, 82, was near the scene and heard the explosion. Tommy junior, from Cheadle, told Stoke on Trent Live: "It happened around lunch time.

"My dad was on the scene. He heard the explosions. Pieces were falling on him. It blew windows out on the nearby properties. My dad was on a walk nearby and went straight there. He wanted to go and help.

"Three log cabins were all destroyed, they were all over the place and in the trees. My dad helped a woman and he phoned the emergency services. All the properties around must have heard it.

"It's a disaster. I assume it was a gas explosion. When my dad told me I was terrified and hoping everyone was OK.

"I'm proud of my dad. He always taught me to run away from any danger but he runs to it even at his age. I'll have to give him a telling off when I see him.

"I don't know if anyone was in the cabins at the time."