Explosion flattens family house in West Yorkshire as three people are rushed to hospital and neighbours say it shook the ground like an ‘earthquake’
- Three people rushed to hospital after an explosion in Illingworth, near Halifax
- Blast destroyed one building but residents in six other houses also fled homes
- Emergency services and units from several fire stations were called to the scene
Three people have been rushed to hospital following an explosion that destroyed a house and sparked a massive fire.
Emergency services and units from several fire stations were called to the scene in Illingworth, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, just before 7.40am today.
The explosion, which shook homes like an ‘earthquake’ according to witnesses, destroyed one building, but residents in six surrounding houses were also forced to flee their homes as a safety precaution.
All people have been accounted for, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue confirmed.
Emergency services and units from from several fire stations were called to the scene in Illingworth, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, just before 7.40am today
The fire crews are working with West Yorkshire Police and Yorks Ambulance, Calderdale Council and utility companies to deal with the aftermath of the explosion.
The incident was initially attended by crews from Fairweather Green, Halifax and Odsal with specialist units from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury.
A West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘Crews are dealing with any remaining pockets of fire which are being extinguished should they appear.
‘Firefighters are likely to be on the scene for some time.’
He added: ‘Investigations are continuing into the cause of the explosion.’