Home destroyed by gas blast

This was the scene of devastation after a suspected gas blast reduced a terraced house to rubble.

The explosion completely destroyed the Victorian property in Holly Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, leaving debris strewn across the road.

Ambulance bosses said it was fortunate that the house was empty at the time as there would have “almost certainly” been deaths caused by the 3.40pm blast.

The property, which is being refurbished, has now been handed over to council-appointed demolition experts to clear the site. Neighbouring properties also suffered structural damage. 

Around 40 surrounding houses were evacuated while fire crews, police and urban search and rescue teams worked alongside National Grid representatives to make the area safe yesterday.

Sniffer dogs and specialist equipment were used to search the rubble for possible casualties. 

Ambulance service spokesman Murray MacGregor said: “Given the level of damage, it is extremely fortunate that the property was empty at the time otherwise we would almost certainly have had deaths at the scene.”

Emergency services cordoned off a large section of the road and nearby junctions, while evacuees were sent to nearby Handsworth Leisure Centre until it was declared safe to return to their homes. 

The roads were re-opened today  and residents have been allowed back into their homes, although the area immediately surrounding the blast site remains cordoned off.