Man rescued after gas explosion rips through Blackburn home

Emergency crews were called to the property on London Road last night

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 18th Dec 2023
Last updated 18th Dec 2023

A man has been rescued from a property, which was destroyed in a gas explosion in Blackburn.

Emergency crews were called to London Road at just before 8pm last night, to find the front of the building almost completely collapsed.

Videos on social media shows a large gaping hole in the house, with debris strewn across the road.

The man was pulled out of the rubble, and has been rushed to the Royal Preston Hospital. His injuries aren't thought to be life threatening

In an update, Lancashire Fire & Rescue said: "We are currently dealing with a domestic building incident on London Road in #Blackburn.

"We have fire engines from Blackburn and Hyndburn in attendance, and our Urban Search and Rescue Team from Chorley."

"One casualty was rescued from the property by firefighters and taken to hospital. The injuries are not, at this time, thought to be life threatening."

The blast has left around 50 homes having to be evacuated, and Blackburn with Darwen council say a temporary refuge centre has been set up at the Noorani Education Centre.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I know that people in the community pulled together to make sure the 50 people who needed to leave their homes had a safe place to go last night which has helped tremendously.

"There will be welfare officers meeting with them to make sure they are supported.ā€

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