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A seven-year-old boy has died after an explosion at a house in Newcastle, as police and fire chiefs begin to investigate the cause of the devastating blast.
Six people are also in hospital following the tragic incident along a terrace of homes in the Benwell area of the city in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Pictures taken of the scene show the devastation caused with at least two property completely destroyed.
Speaking at a press conference at lunchtime, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.
“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene. This is a truly devastating outcome.
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“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends.
“The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable. I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries. This is an incredibly tragic incident.”
Emergency services were called to the explosion at the property in Violet Close at around 12.45am.
Firefighters tackled the resulting blaze as local residents were told to stay indoors keeping doors and windows closed to avoid exposure to the smoke.
Nearby roads were also closed as emergency services attended the scene.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant chief fire officer, Lynsey McVay said six flats had been “badly affected, two of which suffered the main burnt of the explosion”.
She said all fires had now been extinguished and firefighters continued to search the buildings to ensure that all persons are accounted for.
A number of people were also evacuated from their homes, said Supt Adams, who confirmed that an investigation was now under way into the cause of the explosion.
He added: “Inquiries are still at a very early stage and in the coming hours and days, we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider community.”
A family friend of some of the victims said there had been a “devastating explosion”.
Andy Riches, a safety steward at Newcastle United, has set up an online fundraiser in aid of the occupants of one of the homes affected.
He is friends with the grandfather of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, and said: “They have lost everything.”
The British Red Cross was at the scene helping local people who have been unable to go home.
Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “First and foremost my thoughts go out to the loved ones of the young boy who has tragically lost his life following this morning’s incident at Violet Close.
“This is a heartbreaking update to hear and it shows the severity of the incident that the emergency services have been dealing with.
“I’m sure everyone in the local area and across the wider city will join me in sending condolences to the boy’s family and friends.”
Source: independent.co.uk
