One person dies in major gas explosion at block of flats in Bedford
Officers have warned further fatalities could be discovered in the comings days.
Last updated 22nd Jul 2022
Police in Bedford say at least one person has died following a gas explosion at a block of flats.
Bedfordshire Police Chief Superintendent John Murphy said it is possible more deaths will be discovered in the coming days as emergency services search the scene.
Two people were seriously injured, one died, and a firefighter suffered smoke inhalation after a gas explosion caused what was described in an "inferno" at the block of flats in Redwood Grove, Bedford.
"Very sadly we know that at least one person has passed away in the explosion today," Mr Murphy said.
"There is a possibility that there will be more fatalities discovered in the coming days as we continue to search through the scene and a number of people, as my colleague from the fire services has identified, were injured as well today."
An EEAS spokesperson said: "We were called at 9.33am today to a significant fire at a block of flats in Redwood Grove, Bedford.
"Three ambulances, the hazardous area response team, a tactical commander, three operations managers and the Magpas Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.
"One person was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital for treatment for leg injuries, while two people, one of whom was a firefighter, were conveyed to Bedford Hospital South Wing with smoke inhalation."
British Red Cross workers are among those helping residents at a sports hall around a mile from Redwood Grove, which is being used as an emergency assistance centre.
Around 20 people were at the John Bunyan Centre by 2pm, said Sarah Stevens, manager for community safety and resilience for Bedford Borough Council.
She said the "majority" of people had "gone to friends and family so they're safe and settled".
Ms Stevens said staff were assessing whether people would be given the option to stay in the hall overnight or offered "other forms of emergency accommodation".