One person has died following a suspected gas explosion at a residential property in Stoke Newington, North London, early Tuesday morning.
Emergency services were called to Dumont Road just before 5am after the force of the blast blew apart the front of a Victorian terraced house.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that six fire engines and 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene, along with police and ambulance crews.
The explosion caused severe damage to the property, with the front of the house partially collapsed and windows shattered. Debris and glass were scattered across the street, leading police to quickly seal off the area.
A source confirmed that one person was found deceased inside the property, though formal identification is still underway.
“Everyone was just in shock,” said one neighbour. “It sounded like a thunderclap.” Another neighbour added, “We thought it was a car crash at first. Then we saw the front of the house had just gone.”
The fire was brought under control shortly after 5.40am, but forensic teams and fire investigators remain on site to examine the scene.
Station Commander Darren McTernan, who led the emergency response, stated: “This is a serious incident. We’re working closely with police to find out what caused the explosion. We advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area throughout the day.”
The exact cause of the blast remains unknown, though early reports suggest a possible gas leak.
The Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade are conducting a joint investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or report gas leaks to the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Originally published by UKNIP.
