Live updates: Birmingham Kingstanding house explosion - woman dies and man critical in hospital
and live on Freeview channel 276
Live updates: Birmingham house explosion - woman dies and man critical in hospital
Key Events
Woman dies in an explosion on Dulwich Road in Kingstanding, West Midlands Fire service has confirmed
Sad news this morning as West Midlands Fire Service confirm that a woman has been found at the scene of the house explosion on Dulwich Road in Kingstanding.
Man critical in hospital
Earlier West Midlands Ambulance had said that a man had been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Four others had been treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Here is their statement: “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.”
Primary school remains shut this morning
West Midlands Fire Service said that Warren Farm, in Aylesbury Crescent was closed this morning. Residents were evacuated and roads closed last night after emregency services were called to the scene at 8.38pm
Neighbours tell how they heard a “massive bang” last night
Residents told how they heard a “massive bang” just after 8.30pm.
One said: “It shook the windows of the house and at first I thought a plane had crashed into the street or it was an earthquake. I rushed outside and the house a few doors down was just gone.
“There were flames and bricks everywhere and all you could hear were pops as the glass in the windows was smashing. It’s just horrific down here, it’s like something from a disaster movie. I just pray no one is seriously hurt or worse.”
Incident believed to be a ‘gas explosion'
West Midlands Fire Service are at the scene this morning. Last night fire fighters said they believed the incident to be a gas explosion. It has completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged 3 adjoining properties. They said emergency services were working with Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage the incident.
Public urged not to share video and images on social media
Nicky Brennan, Victims Commissioner for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is among those who have expressed sympathy with everyone affected. She said: “My thoughts are with all impacted by tonights horrific explosion in #Kingstanding. @WMPolice have asked for images/videos of the incident not to be shared out of respect for those affected Thank you to our emergency services for being outstanding as always.”
Cadent Gas statement
Gas specialists Cadent Gas is investigating the cause of the explosion.
The company operates and maintains the largest natural gas distribution network in the United Kingdom.
A spokesperson for Cadent, said:“Our teams are on-site at the incident in Kingstanding, assisting the multi-agency response as the gas emergency service for the West Midlands. It is too early to speculate on the cause. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.
“If ever anyone smells gas, nearby or anywhere, it is important to act immediately and ring the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*.”
There are reports on social media that people caught up in the incident last night were helped by others in the area.
Latest West Midlands Fire Service statement
Here is the latest from the West Midlands Fire Service after a woman was found dead following the explosion last night.
“We’re saddened to confirm that a woman has been found dead at the scene of the explosion.
“The man who was taken to hospital informed us there may have been another person in the property where the explosion happened.
“The woman’s body was recovered overnight.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected.
“We would like to thank members of the local community for their continued support, understanding and patience.
“Twenty-one residents needed to leave their homes as a result of the incident. The city council arranged hotel accommodation for some, while others went to stay with relatives. Some have now started to return.
“The extent of the damage to the property means that the investigation is likely to take some time.
“Electricity has now been restored to some of the local properties left without power overnight.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.