Emergency services rush to GAS EXPLOSION in Batley, Yorkshire - multiple people injured
FOUR people have been rushed to hospital after being injured in an explosion at a flat in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire: Emergency services arrive following gas explosion
Emergency services rushed to the building in Batley, West Yorkshire on Wednesday evening. It is believed a gas explosion took place between 6.30-7pm in the Hick Lane area of the town. Several people have been taken to hospital. 'Shaken' Batley resident Zoe Palmer told the Huddersfield Examiner the explosion ripped through her kitchen wall and a stranger helped her to safety.
Ms Palmer said: "I was sat on the sofa and my partner had just gone to Tesco and there was a big almighty explosion and the kitchen wall came through and the windows and some bloke dragged me through the window to get me out to help. I'm shaken".
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said the number of patients was unclear as the incident was ongoing.
Police were first alerted to the explosion at 6.50pm on Wednesday and remain on scene along with the fire and ambulance services.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said a cordon was in place and that residents from nearby properties had been evacuated.
The spokesman added: "Police and other emergency services are currently dealing with what is believed to be a gas explosion in the Batley area.
"Officers were called at 6.47pm to reports of a loud noise.
"A number of people have received burns and are currently being treated in hospital.
"It is not currently thought that anyone has suffered life threatening injuries."
Chief Inspector Wayne Horner said: “I understand that this will have caused concern amongst the community; residents can be reassured that police along with our partners from the other emergency services are on scene dealing with the incident.”
Police have released the following statement regarding a suspected gas explosion in Batley. My thoughts are with those who have been injured in the incident. I will share any further updates from our emergency services as I receive them. https://t.co/RSMAWon1bb
— Tracy Brabin MP (@TracyBrabin) February 6, 2019
Tracy Brabin, Labour and Co-operative MP for Batley & Spen, said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with those who have been injured in the incident.
"I will share any further updates from our emergency services as I receive them."