Emergency services have been working hard throughout the night following an explosion at a house in Birmingham.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said:
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of an explosion at about 8.40pm on Sunday evening to Dulwich Road.
Three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, West Midlands CARE team, and an emergency planner were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.
“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries. After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance. His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.
“Four further men have been assessed by ambulance crews for minor conditions but have been discharged at the scene.
“Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team continue to work with specialist firefighters at the scene.”
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service issued the following statement:
At 20:38 fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.
The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.
The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time. We are working hard with colleagues from West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage this incident.
Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. People are urged to avoid the area to allow the emergency services to do their work.
West Midlands Police are managing evacuations in the area and we urge those local to the incident to follow the instructions of emergency service officers at the scene.
West Midlands Police have issued the following statement in response to the incident:
All emergency services and utility companies are at the scene of a house explosion on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham.
One house is destroyed with others significantly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.
There are reports of casualties but the number and severity of their injuries in unknown at this time.
Evacuations are taking place. Those evacuated will be told where to meet. People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of first responders.
Dulwich Road and surround roads are closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
Please think of those involved and their loved ones and do not post images online.
We will keep you updated regularly as soon as we have hard facts.
We were called at 8.38pm on Sunday 26 June.
Your Herefordshire expects to hear further updates this morning.
