Explosion forces residents from homes

The blast at a City West Housing Trust house in the Irlam area now appears to have destroyed three homes, and damaged 20 others. Fifteen people were taken to hospital, with one elderly woman in a critical but stable condition.

The housing association has confirmed work had been carried out in the kitchen of the property where the explosion appears to have happened, although investigations to find the cause of the blast are continuing.

City West said a team of officers had been working with the council to find accommodation for all residents who needed emergency shelter, with hotels arranged for those affected.

It said work to repair homes would be carried out as soon as the police and fire service cordon around the area was lifted, so as many residents as possible can return home.

Short-term accommodation will be provided for all those that cannot do so, and they will be re-homed as soon as possible.

Tim Doyle, chief executive of City West Housing Trust, said: ‘At this point our priority is to assist those affected by the explosion.’