Investigations continue after Walsall gas explosion

Two men were taken to hospital after the blast at around 6.30am on Tuesday at the terraced house in Darlaston Road.

WATCH video from the scene:

Five people were assessed by paramedics at the scene – with two men treated for injuries not believed to be serious and taken to hospital for further treatment.

The house was destroyed by the explosion, along with a car that was passing at the time, and a number of nearby houses were evacuated.

Twenty-five firefighters were at the scene at the height of the incident.

Residents in the area had spoken of their shock – after hearing glass smashing at around 6.30am.

Local resident Connor Dutson said: "This morning, there was a massive bang, which I thought was a car crash, and came out to see the doors and lots of glass on the road.

"I called the emergency services, which came really quickly, and also watched one of the neighbours run in and help pull out an older guy and his dog, which were apparently buried in the rubble.

"Just as we thought everyone was out, a gentleman crawled out of the window, covered in debris and with burns on his hands, and he got taken to hospital.

"I'm a little shocked at the moment."

Another man, who gave his name as Gabriel, said: "There's four people who live there and I think one was taken to hospital. The fire and ambulance were really quick getting here, about 15 minutes.

"I'm a little shocked as I've never seen that happen before."

One resident, who didn't wish to be named, said: "I was in bed when I heard the explosion and I went out and saw debris everywhere.

"It's never happened around here before and I'm very shocked about it.

"I hope the people who lived there are ok as it was quite a big explosion."

Safiola Tajik said: "It was about 6.30 this morning and I heard a huge bang, which sounded like glass breaking. I ran out and saw all the glass on the street, which was a real shock.

"I thought the emergency service response was brilliant as they got here really quickly and they looked after the people in the house.

"It's pretty shocking and I hope everyone is ok."

Another resident added: "I heard a massive explosion and came out to see bits and pieces flying everywhere and a Land Rover veering off the side of the road.

"It's a massive shock and I can't believe it's happened around here because it seems very quiet around here.

"I hope the people in the house are ok. and I don't know if they will be able to live in that house again."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Crews arrived at Darlaston Road to find the property involved with significant damage and five people to assess. A car passing at the time of the incident was also seriously damaged as a result of the explosion.

“Two men were treated for injuries not believed to be serious and taken to hospital for further treatment. Due to the nature of their injuries, one of the men was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, whilst the other went to Walsall Manor.

“Of the three other patients assessed at the scene, one was treated for minor injuries and the others did not require treatment. All were discharged at the scene.”

The spokesman added that the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), two ambulances and two paramedic officers attended the scene.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "Just after 6.30am on Tuesday morning we were alerted to a gas explosion at an end terrace property on Darlaston Road. Two fire engines from Walsall along with an engine from Bilston, Willenhall and Wednesbury and 25 firefighters have been in attendance throughout the morning, along with our Tech Rescue Unit.

"Remaining at the scene are two crews from Walsall – 10 firefighters – and the Tech Rescue Unit plus an officer from our Fire Investigation team. All occupants of the property have been accounted for and looked after by ambulance colleagues. Police are also in attendance.

"Darlaston Road, from the junction with Pleck Road remains closed."

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We are assisting West Midlands Fire Service following an explosion at a house on Darlaston Road, Walsall just after 6.30am this morning.

"Two men were treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to hospital for further treatment. Another three people were assessed by ambulance colleagues and discharged at the scene.

"Engineers are on site to switch off the gas supply. The fire service will further investigate the cause when the building is safe.

"A small number of homes in the vicinity have been evacuated as a precaution."