World

Newcastle house explosion: Second body found in rubble

BBC Firefighters on site at the explosion. The houses in the centre have been ripped apart and there is debris on the ground. BBC

Two people died and six were injured in the blast

A second body has been found following an explosion which also killed a seven-year-old boy.

The victim, believed to be a man in his 30s, was found in the remains of three houses destroyed on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle.

The blast, which happened at about 00:45 BST on Wednesday, destroyed six flats along the street.

An investigation by emergency services and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is under way, while gas service workers remain at the scene.

Formal identification of both of those who died is yet to take place, Northumbria Police said.

Five adults and a child were also taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries, with all but one discharged following treatment.

A man aged in his 30s remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Officers also confirmed there were no reports of people related to the properties still missing.

Newcastle house explosion: Second body found in rubbleDozens of bunches of flowers have been laid against a black fence in front of a police cordon. A police officer stands by.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene

Cordons around the site are “expected to be in place for some time”, police said.

Supt Darren Adams said the force was “committed to providing answers to what has happened”.

Several community centres in the area have opened their doors to support people affected.

Meanwhile, Newcastle City Council said housing officers had ensured all those living nearby and who had been evacuated had a place to stay.

Some were with friends and family while others were in temporary hotel accommodation.

The authority said it was working to secure “suitable long-term options”.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button