Northern Gas Networks Investigating Cause Of Explosion

Emergency services have been called to a house in Tingley, West Yorkshire following an explosion which injured a man.

Three fire engines from West Yorkshire Fire Service were sent to the bungalow  in The Crescent at around 9:30 this morning.

Northern Gas Networks are investigating the cause of the explosion whilst police officers and council workers have evacuated six houses nearby.

A man was taken to hospital after escaping from the house suffering from smoke inhalation and burns to his arms, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service reports.

No-one else was injured in the explosion.

Speaking to the BBC, a neighbour Barry Bedford said: "I was watching the TV and [the house] blew up. A big bang and the whole sky was smoking."

Mr Bedford's wife, Joyce, was in bed when she heard what she described as a series of explosions.

She said: "I heard the first bang and then Barry shouted 'Get out of bed'.

"As I was getting out of bed the second explosion went off and then, when we were outside, another explosion went off.

"We do not know what's happened to our house. They won't let me back in to get dressed."

A spokesman for Northern Gas Networks said: "We are currently working with the emergency services to determine the cause of the explosion."

Expert Opinion

It is very worrying to see reports of this explosion, particularly in a neighbourhood with a lot of houses nearby. <br/> <br/>“Through the firm’s work on similar cases in the past, we have seen the huge long-term physical and psychological impact that incidents of this kind can have on victims, as well as the wider community. <br/> <br/>“It is vital that now that authorities continue to work to determine both the cause of the explosion but also what can be done to ensure the same problems are not repeated again in the future. A key aspect will also be identifying whether any safety failings could have contributed to the problems and, if so, how such issues can be tackled. <br/> <br/>“Equally important is ensuring that those affected by this incident are given the best possible support and care to aid their recovery from this explosion.” <br/>