West Midlands Police said in a statement posted on social media that there were reports of casualties but the number of people is still unknown as well as the severity of their injuries. Police officers, paramedics and firefighters as well as utility companies’ workers are at the scene of the explosion in Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham.
The force’s statement added: “One house was destroyed with another significantly damaged. Cars were also damaged.”
According to local reports, the sound of the explosion could be heard for thousands.
West Midlands police said people were in the process of being evacuated and were told to immediately follow first responders’ instructions.
Dulwich Road and surrounding routes have been closed by force and will be for a very long time. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
West Midlands Police said: “We will keep you informed as soon as we have hard facts.”
Officers were called Sunday (June 26) at 8:38 p.m.
Footage shared on social media shows flames destroying a house and smoke billowing skyward in front of a large crowd of bystanders while a large window frame crashes to the ground.
Neighboring properties apparently also have damaged roofs and brickwork.
Members of the public shared their shcck on social media with Twitter user Cara, saying, “The house explosion in Kingstanding is literally the worst thing I’ve ever felt or heard in my life.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service tweeted: “We are currently dealing with a significant incident in Dulwich Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham. A large number of ambulance resources are at the scene along with West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police.
“The public is asked to stay away from the area so we can work.”
West Midlands Fire Department said in a statement: “Fire crews responded to several reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding, by 8:38 p.m.
“The explosion, the cause of which is currently unknown, destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.”
It added that the number of casualties or injuries has not been confirmed at present.
The Service said: “We are working hard with colleagues from West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage this incident.”
“Dulwich Road has been closed and is expected to be closed for some time. People are being asked to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their job.
“West Midlands police are conducting evacuations in the area and we are appealing to local people to follow the instructions of emergency services officers at the scene.”
A neighbor, who did not give their name, told Birmingham Live: “I just went under the toilet and closed the door. The explosion happened when I closed the door.
“Lounge windows broke. Glass was everywhere. The house shook and I fell to the floor. I thought it was an earthquake. I heard a man scream for help.”