man is in a life-threatening condition and a house was destroyed after a gas explosion in Birmingham.
West Midlands police said they were called just after 8.30pm on Sunday after the incident on Dulwich Road in Kingstanding.
One house was destroyed and several others were significantly damaged, as well as nearby cars, the force said.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said people at the scene rescued a man from the wrecked house, but he had “very serious injuries” and was taken to hospital.
Residents described to the PA news agency how, shortly after the explosion, they climbed past flaming debris, through dust and debris, and pulled 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.
There was a guy in the back (in the house), we could hear the guy screaming, but he was trapped against the fridge in the kitchen.
“The dust from the attic insulation burned around us.
“We managed to get out to him and pull him out – I still have his blood on my jeans.
“We took him out, he finally got out on a mattress.
“But he said there was a woman in the house.”
Four other men sustained minor injuries and were examined by ambulance crews at the scene, WMAS added.
A spokesperson said: “A man was helped by people at the scene of the property, but sustained very serious injuries.
There was a guy in the back (of the house), we could hear the guy screaming, but he was trapped against the fridge in the kitchen
“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 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.”
A spokesman for Cadent Gas said his staff was on site.
“Our teams are on site at the incident in Kingstanding and are assisting the response of various agencies as the gas emergency service for the West Midlands,” they said.
“It is too early to speculate about the cause. Our minds are affected with 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.”
Social media footage showed flames, damage and debris from a red brick house with a terrace.
Air shots shared on Twitter also showed flames blowing into the air.
Emergency services said evacuations were taking place and people were urged to avoid the area, with Dulwich Road and surrounding roads closed.
Emergency services said the cause of the fire is not yet known.
WMFS said he was working with West Midlands Police, WMAS, Cadent Gas and the National Grid all working to manage the incident.
Six firefighters, three ambulances, five paramedics and a national inter-agency liaison officer were among the resources sent to the scene.
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 have, in part. The houses were further damaged along the street as a result of the explosion. “
According to his cousin, a man “endangered his own life” by running into a burning house to save someone inside after the explosion.
Callum Attwood’s cousin Reece wrote on Twitter: “What happened tonight in Kingstanding is devastating… my cousin saved a life! He is a hero. I’m so proud of him.
“Get this spread on Twitter !! His actions, Courage and courage to do what someone else would not do and endanger his own life to save a life! Held CALLUM ATTWOOD. ”
Upon arrival, it was quite a challenging scene, where one house was completely destroyed, and three neighboring properties were also quite badly affected.
Steve Ball, area commander of the WMFS, said at the scene: “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).
“At the moment we have six devices on the scene, we have our technical rescue teams and we also have our fire dog here.”