Multiple casualties feared while large blast destroyed house and severely damaged at least two more in Birmingham Street
- Emergency services are at the scene of a house explosion in Dulwich Road
- One house was destroyed in Kingstanding, Birmingham, with another damaged
- Cars were also damaged; there are reports of casualties with injuries
Emergency services are at the scene of a house in Birmingham that was completely destroyed on Sunday night in an explosion that damaged several others.
West Midlands police have said there are reports of casualties, but the number and ‘severity’ of the injuries are unknown at this time.
The blast was reportedly heard from half a mile away, and a number of vehicles were also damaged in the area.
One house in Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, was completely destroyed and others, as well as cars on the street, were significantly damaged.
West Midlands police were called to the scene at 20:38 and reported casualties, but the ‘number and severity of their injuries are currently unknown’.
The ambulance service asked the public to stay away at this time to allow them to work after large crowds gathered around the cordon made by police after the news of the explosion spread.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said from 23:00 ambulance personnel will continue to work at the scene of the explosion.
Emergency services were called tonight at 20:38 to the scene of a house in Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham that exploded
The West Midlands Police Department said in a statement: ‘Evacuations are taking place. Those who have been evacuated will be told where to meet. People in the area should immediately follow the instructions of first responders.
Another corner of the explosion in Kingstanding shows that the house was completely destroyed, as well as major damage done to the neighboring houses
The force said in a statement: ‘Evacuations are taking place. Those who have been evacuated will be told where to meet. People in the area should immediately follow the instructions of first resources.
‘Dulwich Road and surrounding roads have been closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
‘Please think of those involved and their loved ones and do not post images online.
“We will keep you posted as soon as we have hard facts.”
Large crowds gathered around the cordon after the news of the explosion on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, spread
‘Dulwich Road and surrounding roads have been closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, “said West Midlands police.
Local residents reported that nearby residents ran into the destroyed homes in an attempt to evacuate those inside
Local residents reported that nearby residents ran into the destroyed homes in an attempt to evacuate those inside.
West Midlands Ambulance Service also said they sent three ambulances, five paramedics, MERIT trauma doctor, critical care paramedic, West Midlands care team, Dangerous Area Response Team and a national inter-agency liaison officer to the scene.
The West Midlands Fire Department sent six firefighters to the incident and warned people to ‘avoid the area at this time’.