Woman found dead and man seriously injured in Birmingham gas explosion
A woman has died and a man has suffered life-threatening injuries after an explosion completely destroyed a house in Birmingham.
The house in Dulwich Road in the Kingstanding area was destroyed and five others were damaged after the explosion at about 8.30pm on Sunday. West Midlands Fire Service shared images of the scene and said it is believed it was a gas explosion.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and one man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The body of a woman was later recovered at the scene, the fire service said.
A statement said: "We’re saddened to confirm that a woman has been found dead at the scene of the explosion.
"The man who was taken to hospital informed us there may have been another person in the property where the explosion happened.
"The woman’s body was recovered overnight. Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected.
"We would like to thank members of the local community for their continued support, understanding and patience.
"Twenty-one residents needed to leave their homes as a result of the incident. The city council arranged hotel accommodation for some, while others went to stay with relatives. Some have now started to return.
"The extent of the damage to the property means that the investigation is likely to take some time.
"Electricity has now been restored to some of the local properties left without power overnight."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team worked with firefighters to search the damaged property and sadly discovered one person.
“There was nothing that could be done and the person was confirmed dead at the scene.”
A man was helped from the house with very serious injuries. He was assessed and treated before being rushed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Ambulance service staff said his condition was "life-threatening". Four other men received minor injuries.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Four further men have been assessed by ambulance crews for minor conditions but have been discharged at the scene.
“Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team continue to work with specialist firefighters at the scene.”
In another statement the fire service said: "A total of six properties were directly affected by the explosion.
"Investigations to establish the precise cause could take a number of days.
"The area has now been made safe. We are working to reduce the size of the area currently cordoned off.
"Again, we would like to thank members of the local community for their understanding and patience.
"A number have been escorted to their homes, to collect personal items.
"Warren Farm Primary School, which is nearby, was closed today because of damage to its windows and its proximity to the affected properties."
Huge flames were seen coming out of the remains of the house after the explosion as parts of the home fell into the fire and police urged residents watching on to get back.
The road has been cordoned off by the authorities as investigations continue. Firefighters have used drones to monitor any remaining fire hotspots.
West Midlands Police has also asked people not to post or share images of the explosion.
