A man has died after an explosion destroyed a house in Haxby near York.
Police said a 63 year old man died but haven’t confirmed any other casualties. Emergency services are at the scene in Springwood.
Extensive damage has been caused to one house and a number of others in the area are also damaged.
Local residents have been evacuated and a rest centre has been set up at Haxby Memorial Hall for those affected.
The explosion was reported to North Yorkshire Police at 7.30am on Friday (February 19).
I was just getting out of bed at 7.30am when a loud bang went off. The house shook. I ran around and thought it was my house.
I then heard it was the house a few doors down and I was in complete and utter shock. That is all you feel: shocked”
Sarah Grant, Springwood resident
Another local resident, who didn’t wish to be named, said he was “very shaken up” by the incident.
The area is cordoned off and there will be disruption to the surrounding area as emergency services work to protect the wider area. Gas supplies to the neighbourhood have been shut off whilst investigations continue.
Three ambulances attended as well as the hazardous area response team.
Rob Varley posted photos and a short video to Twitter in the immediate aftermath.
One person who lives nearby said: