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Council house explosion injures seven
A massive explosion involving a council house in Kent has left seven people injured, with two seriously hurt.
Emergency services were called to a blast at a row of houses in Willesborough, Ashford, at 7.57am this morning.
Ashford Borough Council confirmed to Inside Housing that it owns the house involved.
Gerry Clarkson, leader of the council, said: “Having checked our property records, we can confirm that all the relevant safety certificates for the properties are fully up-to-date.
“Our officers will be supporting any investigation into the cause of this incident.”
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The cause of the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed, but police are not treating it as suspicious.
Images from the scene show the house reduced to a smouldering wreck, with debris scattered in all directions and neighbouring homes damaged.
Seven fire engines and a height vehicle were sent by Kent Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish a fire following the explosion, as well as a technical rescue unit team.
Kent Police said a number of people had to be rescued after being trapped in the rubble, but that all residents are now accounted for.
Two people have been taken to hospital in London with “serious injuries”, according to South East Coast Ambulance Service, while air ambulance crews attended the scene.
Another five people were taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford with injuries described as less serious.
Council officers are working to provide alternative accommodation for those displaced by the incident and working with emergency services to help others return home safely, Mr Clarkson said.
“Our thoughts are with all those involved by this tragic incident this morning,” he added.
Gas engineers were brought in, the BBC reported.
Police have warned residents in the area of potential disruptions to their power supply following the explosion as works to ensure the scene is safe are carried out.
Community and voluntary groups, including the British Red Cross and Salvation Army, set up support centres for affected residents at a nearby church and the village hall.
