Tributes left to victims of Newcastle house explosion
Flowers, cards and balloons have been left in the Benwell area
Last updated 17th Oct 2024
The community in Benwell are rallying together to show their support to people affected by a massive explosion.
A 7 year old boy was killed as 3 homes were destroyed by a blast - 6 others were left injured.
He has been named locally as "Archie York", with posts online from his aunt saying he was "the most beautiful, funny and caring little boy."
Today police have revealed a 2nd body has been recovered from the debris, believed to belong to a man in his 30's.
Tributes have been placed in the streets near Violet Close through the day.
Police say all but 1 person has now been discharged from hospital.
Firefighters said it was six flats that were badly affected by the blast, with two hit by the main brunt of the explosion.
Mr Adams said: "We are working with our partners as our investigation continues.
"For a number of reasons this is complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused.
"As always, we would ask people not to speculate about what has happened both online and within the community.
"As we have previously made clear and I would reiterate now, we are committed to providing answers to what has happened.
"I would like to thank the community for their continued support and co-operation at this incredibly tragic time."
He said the investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, with cordons expected to be in place in the area for some time.
Speaking to reporters at the scene on Wednesday, Mr Adams sent condolences to the families involved, saying: "The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable."
A man who lives in the area, Kieran Chapman, 28, set up a GoFundMe for the people involved in the explosion, which had raised more than £17,000 by Thursday afternoon.
He said on Wednesday: "I woke up this morning to some absolutely terrible news, and I just feel like there's something that, as a country, that we could do, to pull together and help a local family out that obviously have just lost absolutely everything."
Mr Chapman, who lives about four miles away and "actually felt the vibration" of the explosion, does not know anyone involved but felt compelled to help.