Huge 'gas explosion' as blast flattens home leaving '20 houses' in ruins
A huge explosion ripped through a terraced home in Wales this morning, flattening the property and leaving other nearby houses damaged.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Swansea following unconfirmed reports of a gas explosion. Pictures show houses destroyed with debris all over the road.
According to local Facebook groups, a house exploded near Cwm Arian - and it was completely destroyed.
It has been claimed that up to 20 houses were damaged in the explosion, but this is yet to be confirmed.
South Wales Police said three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance and one person is unaccounted for.
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A local resident said they "heard a bang, saw a gust of smoke and roof tiles from a house go up in the air".
A house was destroyed in a huge explosion (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Mo Green, 70, lives opposite the house that was destroyed. She said she was out when the incident happened but a neighbour called her to get back.
Currently, she is not allowed to go to her property but after seeing a photo, she said all her windows are broken - and she believes her roof and car are damaged too.
The reports emerged after people living in Swansea reported hearing a loud bang that made their houses "shake", Wales Online reports.
Firefighters at the scene of the explosion (Robert Melen)Some living in the Morriston area of the city said their homes shook while others said they heard an "enormous loud bang in Clydach".
One more added: "I'm in Swansea Vale and it shook our window, a friend of mine heard it in Cimla."
Alamgir Hossain, who lives opposite the scene of the apparent explosion in Clydach Road, said: "Suddenly I heard a loud sound and we went out and then I saw a lot of damage to the house."
Three people have been taken to hospital (Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)A video shared on Facebook shows scenes of destruction, with a number of firefighters at the scene.
Alamgir Hossain, who filmed the clip, said a window in their property was destroyed following the incident, as they wrote: "Suddenly there was an explosion in a house near me. Approximately 20 houses were damaged.
"The window glass of my house was also broken by the loud noise. By the grace of Allah we are all fine."
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The explosion destroyed a house in the Morriston area of Swansea today (Robert Melen)Roads in the area have been closed off and people are being asked to stay away from the area as emergency services work at the scene.
A statement from South Wales Police said: "Emergency services are continuing to work at the scene of an explosion on Clydach Road in Morriston that occurred around 11.20am this morning.
"Three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance. One person is currently unaccounted for, and work is ongoing to locate them.
A drone picture shows the scene of the explosion in Swansea (Wales Online)"Two properties have been extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties have also been damaged.
"A rest centre has been set up by the local authority to support those affected. This is an ongoing incident so more detail will be provided when we have a clearer picture.
The remains of the house house in Morriston, Swansea (Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)"A cordon remains in place and people are asked to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Clydach Road remains closed, and traffic is being diverted.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this morning’s incident and we would like to thank the community for their support whilst this incident is ongoing."
An investigation into the causes of the explosion is ongoing (Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)Rob Stewart, a local councillor, said a major incident was declared as he tweeted: "A major incident has been declared after a suspected gas explosion in Morriston.
"Emergency teams are responding. It is not known at this time if there are any injuries or fatalities. Further updates to follow."
Some roads have been closed and people have been asked to stay away (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to reports of a gas explosion at 11.20am.
A statement said: "As well as Fire and Rescue Service Crews, South Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service are in attendance.
"South Wales Police have declared a major incident, no further information is available at this time. For more information, please contact South Wales Police."
A major incident has been declared in the area (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Morriston Town AFC football club said it was "devastated" to hear the news and said the club is open for any residents who need somewhere warm to stay, or want to have a warm drink.
The club said in a statement: "We are devastated to hear what has happened on Clydach Road/Field Close. We really hope everyone is okay. If there is anything we can do to help any of the local residents please do not hesitate to contact us.
"We have just opened the club for any residents who just want to get inside in the warmth, have free tea/coffee etc. Sending all our love to all affected."
Roads have been closed while emergency services respond to the incident (Media Wales)A spokesperson for Wales & West Utilities said: "We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea this morning (13 March) and immediately sent a team of engineers.
"On arrival, we found that there had been severe structural damage to the property and the emergency services were in control of the scene. We are now working with them to make the area safe – as we do on all incidents of this nature.
"We do not yet know the cause of the explosion and our engineers will continue to support the emergency services as they carry out their work."
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