Batley explosion: Five in hospital after 'almighty' gas blast destroys block of flats
Witnesses describe blood-stained victims and chaos as bad as 'war scene'
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Five people are in hospital after a gas explosion tore through a house in West Yorkshire.
Police and ambulances were called to the town of Batley, in Kirklees, on Wednesday evening after reports of a huge bang.
The blast took place inside a flat in the Hick Lane area of the town, leaving a number of people with burns.
Police said the victims had been taken to hospital for treatment but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.
Ten fire engines were also dispatched to the site of the explosion to quickly put out a fire sparked by the gas blast.
Five appliances remained overnight as firefighters were concerned the force of the explosion could have damaged the structural integrity of the two-storey building.
One witness who lived in the block of flats, Zoe Palmer, told local reporters she had to be pulled through her shattered windows to safety.
“There was a big almighty explosion and the kitchen wall came through the windows," she said.
“Some bloke came in and dragged me through the window to get me out.
“I’ve just lost my Mum and all my stuff’s in there which I can’t replace…”
Other witnesses reported seeing a blue flash, a loud bang and seeing their houses shake. Mandy Blakeley, who lives in the same block of flats, said the blast was so powerful it threw her sofa into the air.
Another witness who lived nearby told the BBC he heard a “massive bang” and saw men leaving the building “covered in blood, smoking, obviously very shook up”.
“It was like a war scene,” he said.
Chief Inspector Wayne Horner from West Yorkshire Police said: “I understand that this will have caused concern amongst the community; residents can be reassured that police along with our partners from the other emergency services are on scene dealing with the incident.”
Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, said on Twitter: “My thoughts are with those who have been injured in the incident.
“I will share any further updates from our emergency services as I receive them.”
The local vicar, Rev Mark Umpleby, tweeted a picture of a large cloud of smoke above the town and said: “Hoping and praying that everyone’s OK after major explosion in #Batley tonight and for those emergency services on the scene.”
Police said local roads would remain closed for most of Thursday.
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