Seven-year-old boy killed in ‘truly devastating’ explosion in Newcastle

A seven-year-old boy has died after an explosion on a residential street in Newcastle, as police and firefighters begin investigating the cause of the devastating blast.

Six people were also in hospital following the tragic incident at the row of terraced houses in the Benwell area in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Images from the crime scene show the devastation caused – at least two properties were completely destroyed.

At a lunchtime press conference, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand before you today following the tragic death of a young child.

“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has unfortunately died. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he tragically died at the scene of the accident. This is a truly devastating result.

“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell and our wider region will want to join me in expressing their thoughts and condolences to family and friends.

“The loss and pain they must endure is unimaginable. I can confirm that six people were taken to hospital with various injuries. This is an incredibly tragic incident.”

Emergency services were called to the explosion at the property in Violet Close at around 12.45pm. People reported on social media that they heard a loud explosion.

Firefighters battled the blaze as residents were told to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to avoid being exposed to the smoke. As dawn broke, surrounding roads were closed as the extent of the damage became known.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service deputy chief fire officer Lynsey McVay said six homes were “severely affected, two of which suffered the brunt of the explosion”.

She said the fires had been extinguished and firefighters were continuing to search the buildings to ensure everyone was accounted for.

“Our priority was to identify who the victims were and what resources we needed to support and bring closure to the incident,” she said.

Several people had been evacuated from their homes, said Supt Adams, who confirmed an investigation had been launched into the cause of the explosion.

He added: “Inquiries are still at a very early stage and over the coming hours and days we will continue to piece together what happened so we can provide answers to the family and the wider community.”

Northern Gas Networks was on site. A spokesman said: “Our teams are supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident.”

A family friend of some of those affected said there had been a “devastating explosion”.

Newcastle United security officer Andy Riches, who is friends with the grandfather of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, said: “They’ve lost everything.”

The British Red Cross was on site helping local people who were unable to go home.

Father Chris Minchin from Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish helped out at a local community center by providing families with a warm room and distributing donations.

The local council organized hotel rooms for the homeless. A GoFundMe fundraiser has so far raised £230.

Father Minchin said: “People had nothing, just their pajamas, and grabbed their pets and their children and that was it. “In the coming days they will need support and some love and care.”

Councilor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “My thoughts first and foremost go out to the families of the little boy who tragically lost his life following the incident in Violet Close this morning.

“This is a heartbreaking update which shows the seriousness of the incident that emergency services have been dealing with.

“I am sure everyone in the area and across the city will join me in offering their condolences to the boy’s family and friends.”