Police at huge explosion in Ayr

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Police and fire services rushed to the scene after a reported gas explosion at a house in Nelson Avenue. The two adults have been taken to Southampton General Hospital.

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service said: “Both patients have been treated at the scene by all our crews and taken by ambulance accompanied by the ambulance crew and air ambulance crew, to University Hospital Southampton.

“Our ambulance crews have left scene and our Hazardous Area Response Team and ambulance officers will remain on scene.”

She added: “We have sent to the scene our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) four ambulance officers, two ambulance crews and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance who have been working in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service, Hampshire Police, power companies and local authorities.”

Black smoke filled the sky as firefighters from Cosham, Portchester, Southsea, Havant and Emsworth were called to the explosion.

The air ambulance is also believed to be in attendance.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Control said: “We are dealing with a large incident in Nelson Avenue, Portsmouth. Avoid the area and close windows as there is a lot of smoke in the area.”

The fire service added: “More than 30 firefighters are currently at the scene of a serious incident in Nelson Avenue, Portsmouth.

“Crews from Cosham, Portchester, Southsea, Havant and Emsworth are dealing with a fire in the first floor and roof space of a terraced property.

“Police, South Central Ambulance Service and other multi-agency colleagues are also at the scene.

“The cause of the fire will be investigated in due course.”

Portsmouth police also tweeted: “We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address on Nelson Avenue.

DON’T MISS 
‘Explosions’ heard near Florence Airport: Smoke seen billowing [REVEAL] 
Sweden explosion: 25 injured and more than 100 evacuated [INSIGHT] 
Woman people injured as van explodes on housing estate [COMMENT]

“We would like to urge all road users and pedestrians to please avoid the area at this time.”

One resident said the explosion “shook” her whole house and said the fire took about 20 minutes to put out.

Paige Emery, 27, told Portsmouth News: “I heard a proper loud bang it was so loud and powerful it shook my whole house.

“My housemate… then was banging on my bathroom door.

“He saw the fire, called the fire brigade, the fire took about 20 minutes to put out in total.”

It is believed residents have been evacuated from their homes in Nelson Avenue.

Emergency services are also trying to track down homeowners to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Multiple road closures have been put in place following the explosion.

Hampshire Police said: “Road closures are in place on Nelson Avenue, Ophir Road, Oriel Road and Gladys Avenue from Northern Road up to North End Avenue.”

Katie Lobban, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, said: “At around 2pm today we received a request to assist the emergency services following the reports of an explosion in Nelson Avenue, Portsmouth.

“Our engineers are currently assisting the emergency services to ensure the immediate vicinity is made safe in our role as the gas emergency service.”

Source: Read Full Article