A structural assessment is set to be carried out on Middlesbrough homes after a horrific explosion left a man fighting for his life. 

Emergency services were called to Kirkland Walk, in Park End, on Tuesday after a blast tore through a semi-detached home, sending plumes of debris into the air. 

Dramatic pictures showed the devastating aftermath of the explosion, which saw nearby homes evacuated and a huge cordon set up around the estate. 

A 57-year-old man suffered serious burns during the incident, and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. 

An aerial shot of the blast in MiddlesbroughAn aerial shot of the blast in Middlesbrough (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Cleveland Police confirmed on Wednesday that he remained in hospital fighting for his life in a critical condition. His current condition remains unknown. 

Park End and Beckfield Councillors have since issued a statement on Facebook, confirming that plans are being put together for a structural assessment of the building and home nextdoor. 

The councillors say the probe would asses whether the homes “can be saved” once police have concluded investigations at the scene. 

They said that members of the British Red Cross, accompanied by several PCSOs, were in the area to talk to residents and offer support on Wednesday. 

The reason behind the explosion remains unknown, with the force previously saying it is working with Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Northern Power Grid, and others to "establish the full circumstances."

Twelve homes in total were affected by the explosion, with stunned residents telling The Northern Echo how “every window and door in the house shook” following the blast. 


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Since then, several stories of heroism have emerged from people who darted towards the danger rather than flee - including Kayfee Hameed, who ran towards the building after hearing a cry for help and carried out the man. 

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed at the time that it sent a duty officer, a clinical team leader, two emergency ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic, a doctor, four Hazardous Area Response Teams and the air ambulance to the scene. 

Anyone who saw the explosion, or who has any CCTV, Doorbell, or phone footage of the incident, is asked to contact police via 101, quoting reference number 113998.