A house was destroyed in a major explosion in Birmingham with fears of multiple casualties.
Emergency services are currently at the scene in Dulwich Road, Kingstend, and residents nearby have been evacuated.
Police say there have been reports of casualties, but “the number and severity of their injuries are unknown at this time.”
The road and surrounding roads are closed and the area has been evacuated.
Photo released by the West Midlands Fire Department on a Dulwich Lane, Kingstend property that was destroyed in an explosion. Credit: PA Media
West Midlands police said the cause of the blast, which could be heard for miles around, remained unknown.
Reports of the blast spread in the northern part of the city, and people as far as Sutton Coldfield reported that they heard it on Sunday night.
West Midlands police also warned people to avoid the area.
Emergency services are at the scene of the incident at Kingstend in Birmingham Credit: BPM
A statement from West Midlands police said officers were called at 8:38 p.m. Sunday.
It added: “One house was destroyed and others were severely damaged. Cars were also damaged.
“There have been reports of casualties, but the number and severity of their injuries are unknown at this time.”
“The evacuations are taking place. The evacuees will be told where to meet. People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of the first aid services. “
West Midlands police said: “Dulwich Road and surrounding roads are closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area.
“The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
The forces also thanked those who “helped shocked and injured neighbors.”
Evacuations are taking place on Dulwich Road and nearby areas. Credit: BPM
The West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said West Midlands police, the West Midlands ambulance service, Cadent Gas and the National Grid were working to manage the incident.
Six fire crews, three ambulances, five paramedics and a national interdepartmental liaison officer are among the resources sent to the scene.
In a statement on its website, WMFS said: “The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at the moment, destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.”
The statement continued: “The number of victims or injured has not been confirmed at this time. We are working hard with colleagues from the West Midlands police, the West Midlands ambulance, Cadent Gas and the National Grid to manage this incident.”
The West Midlands Ambulance Service said three ambulances, five paramedics, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic, a WM care team (a BASICS charity providing pre-hospital care), a hazard response team and NILO (National Interagency Liaison Officer) has been sent to the site.
Emergency services on site. Credit: PA Wire / PA Images
Rick Payne, a city councilor in the area, said he heard a “massive explosion” while watching TV shortly after 8:30 p.m., and went to Dulwich Road to see what had happened.
He said: “I recognized that it was most likely a gas explosion.”
“The police simply say that as a result there are a lot of damaged houses – probably up to five or six houses.
“The house where the explosion took place was physically destroyed.
“The houses on both sides have, in part,
“Then the houses down the street were further damaged by the blast.”
Mr Payne said he was “unaware of the victims”, adding that the incident was “absolutely shocking”.
He added: “When you hear an explosion of any kind, you immediately know that people will be in trouble, people will be in shock.”
We hope that the community can return to normal as soon as possible.
“It’s awful for something like this to happen in the community because no one wants to think about a house explosion and the damage and the potential for damage to life.” A man who “put his own life at risk” by colliding with a burning house to save someone after the explosion is described as a “hero” by his cousin.
Callum Atwood Reese’s cousin praised his “courage and bravery” after he went to help those affected by the blast.
“What happened in Kingstend tonight is devastating – my cousin saved my life! He is a hero. I’m so proud of him, “he tweeted.
“Spread this on Twitter !! His actions, courage and bravery to do what someone else would not do and put his own life at risk to save a life! Hero CALLUM ATWOOD. ”
The text was followed by emoji at heart.
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