Police confirm "truly devastating" death of seven-year-old boy after house explosion in Benwell
A seven-year-old boy has died following a house explosion in Newcastle, on Violet Close in Benwell, police have confirmed.
A press briefing was held in Benwell on Wednesday afternoon where the police, fire and ambulance services read statements regarding "a major incident" that took place in the early hours of the morning. Supt Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said the boy had died at the scene, and six people had been taken to hospital "with varying injuries", while a number of others were evacuated from their homes.
Speaking to reporters, Supt Adams said it had been a "truly devastating outcome" and the “loss and pain” his family and loved ones must be suffering is “unimaginable”. He also confirmed that an investigation was now under way into the cause of the explosion and said a cordon was likely to be in place "for some time".
He said: "It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child. As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.
"Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene. This is a truly devastating outcome.
"I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable." He further added: "Inquiries are still at a very early stage and in the coming hours and days, we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider community."
Assistant chief fire officer Lynsey McVay, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six flats had been "badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion". She told reporters that all fires have now been extinguished and firefighters continued to search the buildings to ensure that all persons were accounted for.
Emergency services were called to Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city, shortly before 1am. The area was cordoned off and surrounding roads were closed. A community hub and foodbank opened in the area to support residents who had been evacuated.