NORTH EAST NEWS: Little boy, 7, dies in suspected gas blast that rocked street
A seven year old boy has tragically died following a massive explosion that destroyed two homes in the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle.
The incident happened earlier today, Wednesday, October 16, leading to a child and three adults being rescued and immediately taken to hospital. However, the incident claimed the life of the little boy, Northumbria Police has confirmed.
Drone imagery reveals the scale of destruction on the residential street near the River Tyne, with a roof completely blown off and debris scattered around the affected properties. Local residents have been urged to keep their windows and doors shut, and drivers are advised to steer clear of the area due to road closures," reports the Mirror.
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A North East Ambulance Service representative stated: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 12.45am today. We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (Hart), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical adviser to the scene. We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
Before the confirmation of the fatality, a police spokesperson had reported: "Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle."
"Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
Meanwhile, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service alerted via Twitter in the early morning hours: "We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large-scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice."
Our sister site Chronicle Live has this live blog on the incident.
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