Explosion in Chippenham leaves man with serious injuries

A man has suffered serious burns after an explosion inside a flat.

The fire service said the incident took place in Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire on Wednesday night.

A 999 call was received at 6.12pm to say there had been an explosion in a third floor flat within a mid-terrace building.

"As it wasn't known if anyone was in the affected building, five fire engines were initially sent supported by an incident command vehicle from Devizes, the heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge and an aerial appliance with supporting fire engine from Bath," a Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service spokesman said.

"By 6.55pm, everyone who could have been in the building was accounted for, one man suffering from serious burns has been taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by South Western Ambulance Service."

A cordon has been put in place between around the town centre and the buildings within the cordon are being evacuated.

A building control officer from Wiltshire Council is due to carry out an assessment of the property, which has suffered significant structural damage.

"The fire service is working with Wiltshire Police to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure that the area is safe," the spokesman added.

"The service is now downscaling its presence, although investigations into what happened will continue for some time."

Later, Wiltshire Police said the explosion happened in a flat above the Betfred shop.

The victim, who has not been identified, was taken to Southmead Hospital with severe burns and has since been transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Swansea.

Officers are working with other agencies to provide temporary accommodation for two other residents from the building overnight.

Superintendent Phil Staynings said: "We are currently at the very early stages of the investigation.

"We are working with the fire and rescue service and Wiltshire Council to secure the property, which has sustained significant structural damage.

"At this stage, we are unable to determine the cause of the explosion but our investigation will continue throughout the night.

"We would like to thank local businesses who have provided refreshments, shelter and accommodation during the evening as well as volunteers from the British Red Cross who are supporting anyone affected."