An investigation has been launched into a gas explosion which ripped through a North East home last night resulting in one person being taken to hospital with injuries on Monday (December 18).
Emergency services converged on Church Lane, Eston, Middlesbrough, at about 8.40pm, after reports of the explosion.
Two fire appliances, two ambulances and several police cars were in attendance as a cordon was placed around the street and parts of St Helen's Close and Albert Road.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, has confirmed it is investigating the exact nature of the cause of the explosion.
Engineers have been on site to make all affected gas pipework safe.
The Northern Echo understands workers were busy on the upper floor of the home when the explosion happened. The force of the explosion blew out a window and damaged the roof.
The occupant of the house who was reported to be downstairs at the time is understood to be unhurt.
A Northern Gas Networks (NGN), which was called out to the scene of the gas explosion, said "investigations continue as to the exact nature of the cause of the explosion".
Steve Pigott, Business Operations Lead at NGN said: “In line with procedure in the event of a gas explosion, NGN attended the scene of the incident on the 18th of December. Our engineers have been on site to make all affected internal gas pipework safe.
“We continue to carry out precautionary checks, which can take some time as we work together with local authorities who are also carrying out necessary assessments.”
“At this stage we cannot comment any further while these investigations are pending.”
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said last night: "Police and our Fire Brigade colleagues are currently in the Albert Road/Church Lane area of Eston after a gas explosion inside a house.
"One person has been taken to hospital by ambulance for what are not currently believed to be life threatening injuries to his arm.
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"The explosion, which happened around 8.40pm this evening, was contained within the address however as a precaution and until a structural survey can take place around half a dozen properties nearby have been evacuated, with all occupants safely accounted for.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident in Eston, Middlesbrough tonight (18 December) at 20:35pm. We dispatched two ambulance crews and one patient was taken to James Cook Hospital."
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week
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