Kingstanding explosion – Huge fireball destroys house as emergency crews treat ‘casualties’ and evacuate neighbours
A HOUSE has been destroyed and others badly damaged after a property exploded in a massive fireball.
Police said there are reports of casualties but the number and severity of their injuries is unknown.
All emergency services are currently at the scene in Kingstanding, Birmingham.
In statement, West Midlands Police said they were called to blast on Dulwich Road at 8.38pm on Sunday, June 26.
They added: “Evacuations are taking place. Those evacuated will be told where to meet.
“People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of first responders.”
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In a Tweet, West Midlands Ambulance Service said they had sent “three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic” to the scene.
They said the Hazardous Area Response Team have also now been deployed to the scene.
Utility companies are also in attendance.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
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Chilling footage circulating online shows the extent of the explosion at the property.
A raging fire is visible amid the rubble and debris can be seen scattered everywhere.
The innards of the house also appear to have been blown all over the street.
While the front hedge and fence have been ripped out the ground in the explosion.
One aerial photo shows how the house has been completely destroyed – leaving a charred crater where the home once stood.
Neighbouring houses look severely damaged, too.
Windows in the next-door homes are blown out and bricks missing from walls following the horror blast.
Serious damage can also be seen in the street with cars also reportedly damaged.
The explosion was reportedly heard for miles, BirminghamLive reported.
One person living “half a mile away” tweeted that their house was “rocked” by the explosion.
While another said they thought the explosion was an earthquake.
They told BirminghamLive: “I had just gone into the toilet downstairs and shut the door. The explosion happened as I shut the door.
“Living rooms windows have shattered. There was glass everywhere.
“The house shook and I fell on the floor, I thought it was an earthquake. I heard a man shout help.”
And one neighbour “thought a bomb had gone off”.
Crowds have gathered to witness the horror aftermath – with one video appearing to show a stampede as onlookers panic amid chaotic scenes.
In the same video the house appears completely engulfed – with a window tumbling off the front of the house.
Smoke billows into the air as emergency services battle to control the carnage.
One woman living near the scene described hearing a huge explosion as she was putting her bins out.
She told BirminghamLive: “I just hope there are no fatalities.”
The website also reported how neighbours are taking those affected into their homes.
West Midlands Police later tweeted: “Thank you for all you kind words. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this.
“Emergency workers from all services and the energy companies are working really hard in very difficult circumstances.
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“Thanks to people who have helped shocked and injured neighbours.”
Dulwich Road and surrounding roads are closed following the horror blast and police have stressed will remain closed “for a very long time”.