Yahoo News Police issue update on County Durham house blast as man fights for life
A man remains fighting for his life in hospital after a house blast in Willington as police continue to investigate the cause.
Emergency services rushed to Coronation Terrace in Willington at around 1.30am on Monday after a terraced house was torn reduced to rubble following a blast.
Flames were pictured pouring from the wreck of the home, with pictures taken after sunrise unveiling the devastating aftermath with rubble spewed across the street.
Durham Constabulary later confirmed that a man, aged in his forties, was rushed to hospital by paramedics with serious injuries. He remains there fighting for his life.
Tragically, a young German Shepherd dog was confirmed dead after the blast.
The aftermath of the house explosion (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
The force confirmed that the police cordon around the property has now been lifted - and while officers have since stood down, gas engineers will remain on site for several days.
The reason behind the incident remains unknown, although police say they are continuing to investigate the cause.
As previously reported, several residents were evacuated from their homes after the overnight blast, with shocking doorbell footage showing the moment the property exploded.
Shocked residents told of how they were woken to “claps of thunder” after the incident left them fearing for their own homes.
An aerial shot of the blast in Willington (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)
Pauline Ford said: “I heard the blast then came down and looked out the back window to hear shouting. We were evacuated and I had to go around to my sons.
“There were quite a few people out on the street too, at the time it seemed like it was quite serious.
“It was really shocking. I thought my house was falling down. It’s just really awful, I feel for the lad who lives there.”
Jake Wilden added: “It woke us up at about half past one. I rushed to make sure my son was okay and saw the fire through the curtains.
“I opened them and there were the flames - they were blue. Dad instincts kicked in and I grabbed my family and took them outside.”
'Extremely frightening'
Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was an extremely frightening experience for all those involved and has caused a great deal of concern within the local community.
“Several residents displayed extraordinary bravery coming to the injured man’s aid following the explosion and I’d like to sincerely thank them for their selflessness in helping someone during their time of need.
“The community spirit shown by these residents has been extremely moving to witness – if anyone needs any extra support in the coming days or weeks, please contact us and we can signpost you to people who can help.”
He added: “While our enquiries at the scene have been completed, our investigation to establish the cause of the blast remains ongoing.
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“I’d like to ask anyone who may have any information that could assist these enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 20 of June 24.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
