Investigation launched into Benwell house explosion
Six people were taken to hospital after the incident on a residential street in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and a 7 year old boy has died
A Newcastle vicar says the community where a devastating blast killed a young boy and left other people homeless has rallied around to offer support.
Meanwhile emergency services are beginning an investigation into the cause of the blast, which happened in the early hours of this morning.
Superintendent Darren Adams, from Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly devastating incident in which a young boy has tragically died.
“I have no doubt that the people of Benwell and our wider region will want to join me in extending their thoughts and sincere condolences to his family and friends.
“The loss and pain they are suffering is unimaginable.
“The boy’s loved-ones are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
As a result of the incident, six people were taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
A number of people were evacuated and are being supported by Newcastle City Council.
Supt Adams said: “In the coming hours and days, we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family of the boy who has sadly died and the wider community.
“We would like to thank all those living in the area for their ongoing support and cooperation.
“It is likely the cordon will remain in place for some time as we carry out our investigations.
“This is an incredibly tragic incident and I would like to thank all partners – including our blue light colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue and North East Ambulance Service – who alongside ourselves have been met with extremely challenging circumstances.”
Benwell Explosion 2024
Benwell Explosion 2024
Benwell Explosion 2024
Benwell Explosion 2024
Residents of Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle, had to leave following a huge explosion and fire just before 1am, which sparked a major emergency services response.
Police confirmed around 12 hours later that a seven-year-old boy had died at the scene, and six other people needed hospital treatment.
Father Chris Minchin, of Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish, was helping out at a local community centre.
He said: "It opened up immediately and it has provided people with a warm space for the families who have been evacuated and who are in shock about what happened.
"There have been lots of donations for people, including baby stuff as there are quite a lot of (young) families.
"The council has been busy sorting out hotel rooms for people.
"Everyone is really tired, they have been up all night and it has been tough. People are in shock, but there has also been a wonderful response.
"It shows the importance of having community spaces right where people live.
"People are just starting to talk - nobody can prepare mentally or spiritually for something like that.
"It is only hitting people now. There was a busyness before, now they are all on their way to hotels or to stay with friends and family.
"People left with nothing, just in their pyjamas, and grabbed their pets and their children and that's it.
"Over the coming days they will need support and some love and care."
The vicar said St James's Church in Benwell Lane will be open for prayers and candles will be lit for the little boy who died.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:
“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the young boy who has lost his life in the tragic fire incident which has taken place in Benwell. This is sad beyond words for the whole community.
"My thoughts remain with those taken to hospital and all the residents impacted by this devastating fire. I also want to give thanks to our emergency services and partners who bravely attended the scene to rescue, protect and support those affected.
"We stand with the people of Benwell at this difficult time.”