Woman, 67, killed in explosion at Walsall house
A woman has been killed in an explosion that took the roof off a house in Walsall.
The woman, aged 67, died in the explosion at an end-terrace house in New Street, Shelfield, at around 5pm on Easter Monday.
It is not yet known what caused the explosion.
An ambulance crew was already at the scene responding to reports of a medical emergency when the explosion happened.
The ambulance team managed to evacuate four other adults and a child before fire crews arrived but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Further paramedics were sent to the scene and checked over the original ambulance crew and a man who were all discharged at the scene without serious injuries.
Around 80 per cent of the property was affected by the fire and an investigation is now underway into what caused the explosion.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "At 5.22pm on Monday, April 13, we responded to reports of a severe house fire in New Street, Shelfield, Walsall.
"Four fire engines and 20 firefighters attended, with the first crew arriving at the scene in under three minutes.
"They found a two-storey, end-terrace house on fire.
"Sadly, a 67-year-old woman died at the scene. Our thoughts are with her family and everyone affected by this incident.
"Four other adults and a child had managed to get out of the property before we arrived.
"Around 80 per cent of the property was affected by the fire, including the lounge, a conservatory and the loft.
"The cause has yet to be established."
A spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a medical case at a property on New Street in the Shelfield area of Walsall at 4.55pm on Monday afternoon.
"An ambulance crew were at the scene when there was an explosion at the house which resulted in significant damage.
"The crew managed to evacuate all of the occupants from the property except for a woman, who was confirmed dead.
"Two further ambulances, the Hazardous Area Response Team and five paramedic officers were sent to the incident.
"A man from the property and the original ambulance crew were assessed before being discharged at the scene.
"A full investigation into what happened has begun to ascertain the circumstances."
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were called following a fire at a house in New Street, Walsall at around 5.25pm on Monday.
"A 67-year-old woman was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.
"The Health and Safety Executive have been made aware and are investigating."
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: "HSE is investigating the incident and is being assisted by West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service.”
