Newcastle explosion LIVE: Four people rushed to hospital after flames tear through homes
Firefighters rushed to Violet Close, Newcastle, after residents reported hearing an explosion.
Four people, including one child, have been rushed to hospital following a major fire in Newcastle.
Several homes in Violet Close were engulfed in flames overnight, with firefighters rushing to the area at around 12.45am on Wednesday. Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are also on the scene alongside Northumbria Police.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (16 Oct).
"We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene. We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
Residents reported hearing the huge blast before seeing bright orange flames shoot up and tower over properties, Chronicle Live reports.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
"Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
For all the latest updates, follow our live blog below.
KEY EVENTS
Shocking aerial photos show house entirely collapsed in fire
Aerial images have emerged showing the horrifying extent of the damage to multiple houses on Violent Close following the fire.
The middle house has been completely destroyed, while the roofs of the buildings either side are caving in.
Mounds of debris piled up in front of destroyed house
Piles of debris have been removed from the affected houses as emergency services continue the clean up operation.
More pictures emerge from the scene as emergency services begin clean up
More photos from the scene of the fire have been released as emergency services remain at the scene for the clean up operation.
The Chronicle Live pictures show fire and rescue services assessing the damage as rubble lays strewn on the floor.
Extent of damage revealed after flames finally put out
A new video has revealed the extent of some of the damage following the major fire.
It shows the front of a row of houses on Buddle Road, with debris falling down onto the pavement.
Fire fighters are still at the scene to help with the clean up.
Firefighters remove debris from property in Newcastle
Three adults and one child rushed to hospital following huge fire
Ambulance services have confirmed that four people have been taken to hospital following the massive fire in Violet Close.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (16 Oct).
"We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.
"We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
Salvation Army at the scene
The Salvation Army is also at the scene of the fire in Newcastle.
They are providing refreshments to those in the area.
The Salvation Army is also at the scene providing refreshments to those in the area. pic.twitter.com/qSXiG9GKHr
\u2014 Nicole Goodwin (@NicoleGoodwin92) October 16, 2024
Large emergency service presence remains seven hours after fire began
As well as ambulance and fire services, a large number of police cars are also at the scene.
A new video by a reporter at the scene shows the road - which still remains closed - full of police cars as officers block entry.
There is a large emergency services presence in the area and smoke can be seen rising from a property in the distance. pic.twitter.com/glFEM0kO7q
\u2014 Nicole Goodwin (@NicoleGoodwin92) October 16, 2024
Watch: Smoke rises from damaged Violet Close property
A shocking new video has revealed the damaged to the property affected by the fire, which still has smoke pouring off it.
The video was captured at around 8am on Wednesday by Chronicle Live and shows smoke rising from the damaged home, which appears black after the fire.
Smoke coming from a property on Violet Close, Newcastle
Fire and ambulance crews on Buddle Road
Footage captured earlier this morning at around 7:30 shows fire and ambulance crews on Buddle Road - which remains closed.
The video taken by Chronicle Live shows fire trucks and ambulances taking up the road, with personnel walking around.
Fire and ambulance crews on Buddle Road, Newcastle
New photos show smoking Violet Close house
The flames that previously poured from a house on Violet Close have been put out, but smoke can still be seen rising from the property.
New photos from Chronicle Live show the house at just before 8am on Wednesday morning, with smoke coming from the roof.
Emergency services can be seen still surrounding thew house and taking up the road - which remains closed.
Police issue advice to local residents affected
Northumbria Police has issued a statement advising anyone who sees or smells smoke to keep all doors and windows closed.
They said: "We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle. Please avoid the area.
"Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and residents should keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
Emergency services remain at the scene in new photos
Emergency services are still at the scene of the Buddle Road fire.
They have been there since around 1am on Wednesday.
New photos from Chronicle Live show ambulances and fire engines at the scene as the road remains closed.
New photos show road closure and emergency services still present
Emergency services remain on the scene and have closed the road in order to deal with the ongoing fire.
New pictures from the scene have emerged from Chronicle Live.
Watch: Frightening video shows house swallowed by flames
A shocking video reportedly showing the Newcastle house on fire has been released on social media.
The video shows raging flames engulfing a house that appears to have sustained damage on its right hand side.
A fire broke out after an explosion at a house in Newcastle upon Tyne @northumbriapol @BBCNews pic.twitter.com/z9m6nRBesJ
\u2014 IRFAN UL HAQ (@irfanulhaq01) October 16, 2024
Road closed as emergency services stay at the scene
Buddle Road has been closed in both directions - from B1305 Atkinson Road (Benwell) to St Johns Road (Elswick).
Fire and rescue service on the scene issue statement
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have been at the scene of the "large scale incident" in Violet Close.
Like police, they uirged everyone in the local area to stay away and to not open any doors or windows.
The statemet read: "We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle.
"Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice. Thank you."
Police break their silence
Local police have issued a statement on the Violet Close fire that has been raging since the early hours of the morning.
It read: "We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle. Please avoid the area.
"Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and residents should keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
Major fire reported in area of Newcastle
A major incident has been reported in Benwell, Newcastle.
Police are at the scene of a huge fire that's believed to have burst out at around 1am on Wednesday.
Officers have cordoned off the area.
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We'll be bringing you all the latest updates following reports of an explosion in Newcastle.
More to follow.
