Close call for pensioner who walked out of wreckage of bungalow after ‘gas explosion’

A pensioner escaped death but suffered “significant burns” after a ‘gas explosion’ destroyed her bungalow.

The woman, in her 70s, is being treated in hospital after she was rescued by a “hero” neighbour following the suspected gas blast at her home in Buckfastleigh, Devon at 7:50am on Saturday, March 23.

Another person was treated at the scene for minor injuries and neighbours were evacuated, police said.

Shocking photos show the pensioner’s home reduced to rubble by the blast, with bricks and debris all across the road.

Neighbour Tom Hall said it was a “miracle” that the woman was still alive after the explosion, which blew the roof and walls off the house.

He said: “I am not sure any of us saw the actual explosion, but it woke most of us up.

“If you have never heard a gas explosion before, you couldn’t have guessed what that sound was. It’s a bizarre, metallic sound.

“My girlfriend went there and she saw the woman walking out of the property.

“I don’t know how she managed to walk out alive to be honest. The force of the impact blew the door opposite open.

“It is absolutely insane. There is significant damage. The house to the right, the joining wall is gone. Luckily the chap was out when it happened.

“There is debris on the road and cars are smashed up. It was quite intense but luckily no one died.”

Mr Hall said neighbours have been asked by the fire service to stay inside with their windows closed until further notice.

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One local wrote on Facebook: “A young lad in his 20s had to help the poor lady out from the rubble. I watched him with my heart in my mouth.

“He and a couple of others were real heroes getting neighbours out also.

“I hope someone is now giving him a strong cup of tea and a hug.”

Another added: “The house shook. I am just round the corner and my garden overlooks the location.

“By the looks of it, the house is in tatters.”

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency serviced were called to a “potential gas explosion” at 7.50am.

He added: “On arrival officers found significant damage to a bungalow.

“A female occupant in her 70s suffered burns and has been taken to hospital. A second person was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

“Other nearby residents have been evacuated while the building is being made safe.

“Police and Devon Fire and Rescue Service are currently working to establish the cause.

“A cordon remains in place covering the Barn Park and Jordan Street area of Buckfastleigh.”