Six in hospital as flats collapse in explosion

TWO people were in a critical condition last night after a large explosion in Leicester caused a building housing flats and a convenience store to collapse.

There were fears that people may have died in the blast as search and rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, combed through the rubble by torchlight after flames had engulfed what remained of the building. It was unclear if anyone was unaccounted for last night.

A total of six people were rushed to hospital following the blast, which happened shortly after 7pm on Hinckley Road in the city.

Leicestershire Police immediately declared a “major incident” as emergency responders, including six fire engines, raced to the scene. The force said that while of cause of the explosion was not yet known, there was no indication it was terror-related.

Pictures and video shared on social media showed locals rushing to try and help people from the rubble.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said a number of neighbouring buildings were also damaged by the blast. Many of the surrounding properties were evacuated and roads closed. They added: “The cause of the explosion will be the subject of a joint investigation by the police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Recalling what he saw last night, Tahir Khan, a witness, said: “I was driving past when it happened. Loads of people were gathered and there was gas and flames coming out of the building. Half the building was on the road. Literally the whole of the side of the building had been blown out. I couldn’t believe it, it was like a Hollywood movie.”

John Alexander, a BBC journalist who lives nearby, added: “I felt a tremor, what felt like an earthquake shock and I heard a very low boom that sounded like a very, very fast release of pressure.

“I thought my house was going to fall down on top of me and all my neighbours have said the same thing. I saw one guy get pulled out and he’ll be very lucky if he wasn’t killed.”

Mark Robins wrote: “Huge explosion in Hinckley road area about 10 minutes ago. Can see the flames and endless sirens going off.”

A fire and rescue service spokesman said the affected property was a two floor building with a loft conversion that had suffered a “pancake collapse”.