A house has been destroyed in a major explosion in Birmingham, fearing multiple casualties.
Emergency services are currently at the scene on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, with nearby residents evacuated.
Police say there are reports of casualties but “at this time the number and severity of their injuries is unknown.”
The road and surrounding roads have been cut off while the environment is being evacuated.
Photo of material issued by the West Midlands Fire Service of a property on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding, which has been destroyed in an explosion. Credit: PA Media
West Midlands police said the cause of the blast, which could be heard from miles around, remains unknown.
Reports of the blast have reached the northern part of the city with people as far away as Sutton Coldfield reporting hearing it on Sunday evening.
West Midlands police have also warned people to avoid the area.
Emergency services are at the scene at Kingstanding in Birmingham Credit: BPM
A West Midlands police statement said officers were called Sunday at 8:38 p.m.
He added: “One house is destroyed and others are badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.
“There are reports of casualties, but the number and severity of their injuries is unknown at this time.”
“Evacuations are being carried out. The evacuated people will be told where to find them. People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of the first responders.”
West Midlands police said: “Dulwich Road and the surrounding roads are closed and will be closed for a long time. Help us by avoiding the area.
“The cause of the explosion is not yet known.”
The force also thanked those who had “helped the shocked and injured neighbors.”
Evacuations are taking place on Dulwich Road and nearby areas Credit: BPM
The West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said West Midlands police, West Midlands ambulance service, Cadent Gas and National Grid are working to handle the incident.
Six fire brigades, three ambulances, five paramedics and a liaison officer between national agencies are among the resources that have been sent to the scene.
In a statement on its website WMFS said: “The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed a property and caused damage to other properties and nearby vehicles.”
The statement continued: “The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time. We are working hard with colleagues from the West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to handle this incident.”
The West Midlands ambulance service said three ambulances, five paramedics, the MERIT trauma doctor and the critical care paramedic, the WM care team (a BASICS-affiliated charity that provides prehospital care), a hazardous area response team and a NILO (national liaison officer). ) had been sent to the scene.
Emergency services at the scene. Credit: PA Wire / PA Images
Rick Payne, a councilor in the room, said he heard a “massive explosion” while watching TV shortly after 8.30pm and walked up to Dulwich Road to see what had happened.
He said: “I recognized that it was probably most likely a gas explosion.”
“Police only say there are a lot of damaged houses as a result, probably up to five or six houses.
“The house itself, where the explosion took place, has been physically destroyed.
“The houses on both sides have, in part,
“Then more houses along the street have been collaterally damaged by the explosion.”
Payne said he was “unaware of any casualties,” adding that the incident had been “an absolute shock.”
He added: “When you hear an explosion of any kind, you immediately know that people will be in distress, people will be in shock.”
Hopefully, the community can get back to normal as soon as possible.
“It’s terrible that something like this happens in the community because no one wants to think about the explosion of houses and the damage and the potential for damage to life as well.” burning house to rescue someone after the explosion has been described as a “hero” by his cousin.
Callum Attwood’s cousin, Reece, praised his “courage and bravery” after going to help those affected by the blast.
“What happened to Kingstanding tonight is devastating … my cousin saved a life! He is a hero. I am very proud of him,” he tweeted.
“Get this spread on Twitter !! His actions, courage and courage to do what someone else wouldn’t do and risk his own life to save a life! Hero CALLUM ATTWOOD.”
The text was followed by a heart emoji.
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