- Explosion in Newcastle kills seven-year-old boy
- Six others hospitalized with varying injuries
- Investigation underway into the cause of the blast
Police say six more persons were transported to the hospital with “varying injuries” after the bomb and accompanying fire in the early hours of this morning.
A seven-year-old boy died at the scene of an explosion in Newcastle’s residential street.
According to Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams, six other people were transported to the hospital “with varying injuries” as a result of the bomb and fire in Violet Close.
Several more were evacuated from their houses after emergency services were dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. today.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay said six flats had been “badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion.”
She told reporters that all the fires had been put out, but firefighters were still searching the buildings to ensure everyone’s safety.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Adams announced that an inquiry into the cause of the blast is underway.
Drone photographs shared on social media show at least two properties almost destroyed by the explosion, with piles of debris visible on the street outside.
According to a spokeswoman, Northern Gas Networks has engineers on the scene and is “supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident.”
A fire department van labeled “search dogs” was parked near the location in the city’s Benwell neighborhood.
Superintendent Adams stated that a cordon would likely remain “for some time.”
He told reporters, “It is with great sadness that I stand before you today, following the tragic death of a young child.”
“A seven-year-old youngster has died as a result of an incident that occurred early this morning.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he tragically perished on the site.
This is an awful outcome.
The people of Elswick and Benwell and the rest of our region will want to join me in expressing their condolences to family and friends. The sorrow and pain they must be experiencing is indescribable.
He added, “Enquiries are still in their early stages, and we will continue to compile what transpired in the following hours and days so that we can provide answers to both the family and the larger community.”
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) reported that it came at 12.45 a.m. and transported three adults and one child to the hospital following the explosion.
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According to police, six persons were brought to the hospital, while several others were evacuated.
Firefighters used a jet to dampen the fire, which was still burning this morning.
Meanwhile, vehicle recovery crews were transporting many damaged vehicles on low-loaders.
A “devastating explosion” was described by a family friend of one of the fatalities.
Andy Riches, Newcastle United’s safety steward, has organized an online fundraising to help the residents of one of the affected homes.
He is friends with the grandpa of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, and he stated, “They have lost everything.
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