An unexplained explosion has killed one person and given another ‘serious injuries’ after it ripped through a home in Bedford.
Locals were woken by a loud bang and shock wave around 7.30am, with footage showing a fire at the home after the initial blast.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene and another is in hospital with ‘serious injuries’.
Those living nearby have been evacuated, and residents are urged to keep their windows open.
Bedfordshire Police said: ‘We understand that this incident is very concerning for those who live in the vicinity. We are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues.’
Earlier this week, Jason Laws, aged in his 30s, has been named locally as the adult killed in the explosion which ‘decimated’ several homes on a residential street in the Benwell area in Newcastle.
His brother Joseph Laws wrote in a tribute post on Facebook he would be telling his two children was the ‘best dad in the world’ as they grew up.
Emergency services came across his body as they sifted through the debris later in the day.
Archie York has also been named locally as the ‘lovely lad’ who died in the sudden explosion, with neighbours saying residents had complained about smells of gas for days ahead of the blast.
The boy’s aunt, Abbie York, said: ‘Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.’
Five adults and one child were taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries. All but one has been discharged.
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