Birmingham blast: Woman killed when gas explosion completely destroyed home | UK | News

Birmingham blast: Woman killed when gas explosion completely destroyed home | UK | News

Birmingham: Emergency services respond to explosion

In a tweet this morning, West Midlands Fire Department said a woman was found dead at the scene last night. The service added that their “thoughts and sympathy are with all who are affected.” Meanwhile, a man remains in a “life-threatening” condition after the explosion that destroyed a house in Kingstanding.

Photos of the incident, taken by a drone, show the house was completely destroyed by the explosion.

Aerial photos show debris strewn across the backyard and front driveway, while neighboring houses were scorched.

Residents recounted how, shortly after the explosion, they climbed past flaming debris, through dust and debris, and rescued an injured man alive from the ruins of the house.

One man, who refused to give his name, said: “Everyone was watching, the house was on fire, no one went in, so we could see an entrance – so we went into the house, me and about a dozen others. ” .

He said the dust from the attic insulation burned around them when they rescued a man from the back of the house.

One of the people who “sits [their] own life in danger ”by running into the burning house to save someone inside, according to their cousin on social media.

In a post, they called their family member a ‘hero’.

A woman dies after a gas explosion in Birmingham (Image: SWNS)

A spokesman for Cadent Gas said his staff was on site.

“Our teams are on site at the incident in Kingstanding and are helping the multi-agency response as the guest emergency service for the West Midlands.”

“It’s too early to speculate on the cause. Our minds are affected by everyone.”

“If anyone ever smells gas, near or anywhere, it is important to act immediately and call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.”

West Midlands Fire Department said a woman was found dead at the scene last night

West Midlands Fire Department said a woman was found dead at the scene last night (Image: SWNS)

Rick Payne, a ward councilor for the ward, heard a “massive explosion” shortly after 8:30 p.m. while watching television, and walked to Dulwich Road to see what happened.

He said: “I admitted that it was probably a gas explosion.”

“The police only say that there are a lot of houses that have been damaged as a result – probably up to five or six houses.

“The house itself, where the explosion took place, was physically destroyed. Houses on either side, in part. Then the houses further down the street were additionally damaged by the explosion.”

A man remains in a 'life-threatening' condition after the explosion

A man remains in a ‘life-threatening’ condition after the explosion (Image: SWNS)

Last night, 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.

Photos from the incident show the house was completely destroyed by the explosion

Photos from the incident show the house was completely destroyed by the explosion (Image: SWNS)

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.

s

A house destroyed in an explosion in Birmingham

A house destroyed in an explosion in Birmingham (Image: TWITTER)

Neighboring properties apparently also have damaged roofs and brickwork.

Members of the public shared their shock on social media with Twitter user Cara commenting: “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.”

READ MORE ABOUT PRINCE HARRY WHO DOESN’T LEARN AT EDWARD AND WALLIS ‘BALLING

Birmingham: House left in ruins after explosion in Kingstanding

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.”

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.”

Steve Balls, commander of the WMFS area, said at the scene on Sunday: “Around 20:30 tonight we were called to a gas explosion in a house.

“Upon arrival, it was quite a challenging scene, where one house was completely destroyed, and three neighboring properties were also quite badly affected.

“One man was rescued before our arrival and he was taken care of by the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

“He has life-threatening injuries and he went to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Birmingham).

“Right now we have six devices on the scene, we have our technical rescue teams and we also have our fire dog here.”

DON’T MISS

G7 summit LIVE: Rejoices Macron with red face as Boris concludes EU plan

Even most LABOR voters want ‘boring’ Starmer to stop

Truss supports war with Brexit-bashing MPs in big Commons vote

A crowd of spectators at the scene

A crowd of spectators at the scene (Image: TWITTER)

West Midlands Ambulance Service has since released a statement confirming one man suffered life-threatening injuries after the blast.

The Ambulance Service was called at 20:40 when three ambulances, five paramedics, the Dangerous Area Response Team (HART), the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, West Midlands CARE team, and an emergency planner were sent to the scene. “.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property was completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars were also damaged.

“A man was helped by people on the scene from the property, but sustained very serious injuries.

“After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken at blue lights to the large trauma center at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham with the MERIT team who traveled with the ambulance.

“His condition upon his arrival at the hospital was described as life-threatening.”

Four other men sustained minor injuries and were discharged by paramedics.

The spokesperson added: “Four further men were examined by ambulance teams for minor conditions, but were discharged at the scene.

“Members of the Dangerous Area Response Team continue to work with specialist firefighters at the scene.

Video shows a crowd turning and running from the scene in Birmingham

Video shows a crowd turning and running from the scene in Birmingham (Image: TWITTER)

West Midland’s fire department has since stated that the incident is suspected to be a gas explosion and was attended by six fire trucks and 25 firefighters.

It completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged three adjoining properties.

The statement also revealed that the man who is now at Queen Elizabeth Hospital was rescued before firefighters arrived at the scene.

They added: “We evacuated the affected and surrounding properties with our colleagues the West Midlands Police.

“Our search and rescue dog and handler were mobilized to the scene and an additional search and rescue dog from Lancashire was requested and is also on its way to assist us.”

Birmingham City Council planning officers are on hand to help residents who may need to be relocated, while a structural engineer has also been requested.

The statement concluded: “We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of emergency services officers at the scene.”

Emergency services at the scene in Kingstanding

Emergency services at the scene in Kingstanding (Image: Nick Horner / Birmingham Live)

West Midlands police and crime commissioner also tweeted in response to the incident.

Simon Foster, who was elected as the region’s PCC last year, said: “Shocking news for Birmingham tonight.

“Thoughts are with the casualties and anyone else who is affected.

“Please follow the current advice and stay away from the scene.”

West Midlands police have confirmed that many officers will remain at the scene overnight.

The force said: “They are working closely with West Midlands Fire and Birmingham City Council.

“Everyone will stay there as long as necessary. Our officers were the first on the scene.

“They were real heroes.”

Gary Sambrook, the MP for Birmingham Northfield, tweeted: “My thoughts are with everyone tonight in Kingstanding after the terrible explosion in Dulwich Road – I have lived off this road for 20+ years and know the community will come together for support and love.

“Our emergency services have, as always, shown true professionalism.”