Houses evacuated after gas explosion caused by leak in drainage system rips through home

  • Neighbours evacuated after leak in drainage system

By
Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 8:30 PM on 5th February 2012

A woman was rushed to hospital today after an explosion caused by a suspected gas leak tore through her home.

She was taken to the burns unit after flames ripped through the building shortly before 9.30am.

Residents were evacuated from neighbouring homes in Basingstoke, Hampshire, amid fears of further destruction as utility experts tried to locate the source of the leak.

Powerful blast: The force of the gas explosion at this house in Basingstoke is clear to see. A female occupant was rushed to a burns unit

Powerful blast: The force of the gas explosion at this house in Basingstoke is clear to see. A female occupant was rushed to a burns unit

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: ‘Officers are currently assisting with the evacuation of 20 homes in Basingstoke following an explosion in a home.

‘Officers were called at about 9.30am by the ambulance crew attending the scene.

‘One woman was injured and has been transferred to the burns unit at Salisbury District Hospital as a precautionary measure. The injuries are not life-threatening.’

Utility company workers were examining the property to determine what caused the blast.

Probe: Emergency services and utility workers attempt to make the area safe as they investigate what caused the blast

Probe: Emergency services and utility workers attempt to make the area safe as they investigate what caused the blast

A police spokesman said: ‘It is thought to have been caused by a gas leak in the drainage system, leading to gas being contained in the walls of the house.

‘Although the explosion and resulting flash fire was contained to one house, surrounding homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure until utility companies have been able to locate the leak and bring it under control.’

Those evacuees who did not have relatives or friends to seek shelter with were taken to the Poppyfield Centre, Basingstoke, to wait for the all clear.

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