Birmingham house explosion: what happened in Kingstanding - as woman found dead and man seriously hurt

A woman has died and a man is seriously injured following an explosion at a house in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.

Emergency services have been at the scene overnight, and have given updates throughout the night and into this morning on the incident.

Here’s what we know about the incident, and what the emergency services have said.

When did the explosion take place?

The explosion at the house on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding occurred on Sunday evening (26 June).

Are there casualties from the incident?

Sadly, emergency services have confirmed that one person has been killed in the explosion.

A woman was found dead at the scene.

According to the BBC, the woman has been named as 79-year-old Doreen Rees-Bibb

In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said: “We’re very sad to confirm that a woman has been found dead at the scene of last night’s explosion in Kingstanding.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected.”

Neighbours have spoken about how they helped to pull a survivor from the wreckage of the house.

What caused the explosion?

The explosion, which destroyed one house and caused damage to three others, is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion.

This was the estimation of fire fighters, who remained at the scene this morning.

However, this has not been confirmed.

What have the emergency services said?

Police, Fire and Ambulance crews have been at the scene since shortly after the explosion took place.

They have issued statements on what has happened.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: “At 20:38 fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.

“The explosion has destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.

“The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time. We are working hard with colleagues from West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage this incident.

“Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. People are urged to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their work.

“West Midlands Police are managing evacuations in the area and we urge those local to the incident to follow the instructions of emergency service officers at the scene.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.

“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.

“After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.

“His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.

“Four further men have been assessed by ambulance crews for minor conditions but have been discharged at the scene.

“Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team continue to work with specialist firefighters at the scene.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police: “Dulwich Road and surrounding roads are closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area.

“Please think of those involved and their loved ones and do not post images online.

“We will keep you updated regularly as soon as we have hard facts.

“We were called at 8.38pm on Sunday 26 June.”

On 28 June, the spokepserson said: “Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the man, who remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition in hospital, and the woman who sadly lost her life. Our specialist family liaison officers are supporting her family at this very distressing time.”