Live

A young child has died after a suspected gas explosion in Heysham ‘destroys three homes’

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
A major incident has been declared after a suspected gas explosion which reportedly destroyed up to three terraced houses in Heysham, Lancashire.

Lancashire Police said they had been called at 2.40am to the scene of the explosion after reports “a number” of houses on Mallowdale Avenue had collapsed.

Suspected gas explosion in Lancashire ‘destroys three homes’

Key Events

  • A major incident has been declared after a suspected gas explosion which reportedly destroyed up to three terraced houses in Heysham, Lancashire.
  • Lancashire Police said they had been called at 2.40am to the scene of the explosion after reports “a number” of houses on Mallowdale Avenue had collapsed.
  • In a statement, the force said: “We are currently at the scene of a suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham.
  • “We were called at 2.40am… to reports that a number of houses on the road had collapsed.

Boy killed in explosion named

George Arthur HindsGeorge Arthur Hinds
George Arthur Hinds | Lancashire Police

The parents of a little boy killed in today’s gas explosion in Heysham have paid an emotional tribute to their son.

Full story here

Fundraiser launched

A go fund me page set up for residents of Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham after a deadly suspected gas explosion has raised over £13k in a few hours.

Full story here:

PA

Salt Ayre Leisure Centre is currently open as an evacuation centre for any residents who have been affected by this morning’s tragic incident in Heysham. Anyone who requires support can contact Lancaster City Council on 01524 582000 or 01524 67099.

PA

Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another.Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another.
Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another. | PA

jpi

There is a gallery of more pictures from the scene online here

Parked cars were also wrecked in the explosionParked cars were also wrecked in the explosion
Parked cars were also wrecked in the explosion | jpi

A scene of devastation in HeyshamA scene of devastation in Heysham
A scene of devastation in Heysham | SWNS

Police have held a press conference in Heysham:

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We remain at the scene of a suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham.

“We were called at 2.40am this morning (Sunday May 16) to reports that a number of houses on the road had collapsed.

“Our officers attended and found two houses collapsed and serious damage to a third property.

“We can now confirm that sadly a young child has died as a result of the incident. The family have been informed and our thoughts remain with them at this distressing time.

“Another four people, two men and two women have been taken to hospital. Two of those people have serious injuries.

“A search of the site is still ongoing with Lancashire Fire and Rescue and North West Ambulance Service also in attendance.

“A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents have been evacuated.

“We are currently working with gas service engineers to make the area safe.

“Road closures also remain in place and people are being asked to avoid the entire area while we deal with this ongoing incident.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “

Electricity North West cut off supplies to the area around the scene.

A spokesman said: “Due to a major incident in the Heysham area our engineers are removing supplies for safety reasons.

“Given the nature of the incident we are unable to confirm how many properties will be affected or how long this will be for.”

The MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, David Morris has said his prayers are with all the families affected by the explosion.

He took to Twitter to say: “My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families on Mallowdale Avenue following the incident this morning. Thank you to all of the emergency services who are currently on the scene. “

Lancashire Fire said on Twitter that 10 units were called to the terraced row and firefighters were searching a collapsed property.Lancashire Fire said on Twitter that 10 units were called to the terraced row and firefighters were searching a collapsed property.
Lancashire Fire said on Twitter that 10 units were called to the terraced row and firefighters were searching a collapsed property. | jpi

Emergency services in HeyshamEmergency services in Heysham
Emergency services in Heysham | jpi

In a statement on Twitter, police said: “We remain at scene of a suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which has caused 2 houses to collapse & badly damaged another.In a statement on Twitter, police said: “We remain at scene of a suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which has caused 2 houses to collapse & badly damaged another.
In a statement on Twitter, police said: “We remain at scene of a suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which has caused 2 houses to collapse & badly damaged another. | jpi

Police officers at the scenePolice officers at the scene
Police officers at the scene | jpi

A news conference is currently underwayA news conference is currently underway
A news conference is currently underway | jpi

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.