An alleged gas explosion in Whitehaven has left three individuals with significant injuries. Cumbria Police stated that the incident happened at a house on Hugh Street just after 4:20 pm GMT. Two men and one woman were reported to have been transported to a hospital due to painful injuries they incurred from the event. According to the authorities, “all known persons” were accounted for, but efforts are being made to confirm this further. Crews belonging to the Cumbria Fire and Rescue service and the North West Ambulance Service have been dispatched to the incident’s location.
Whitehaven councillor Joseph Ghayouba voiced his feelings by expressing that the “tight-knit” community was in a state of shock but also added that people were rallying to assist those affected. Ghayouba revealed to BBC Radio Cumbria that he was flooded with messages from residents providing their places to spend the evening, blankets, clothes, and a place to sleep in case they have nowhere to go. Ghayouba said that the “community is really stepping up.”
At present, Northern Gas Networks’ engineers are also present at the scene, and the emergency services urge people to avoid the area. Investigations are yet to uncover the cause of the explosion, but Cumbria Police confirmed that the explosion was suspected to have been caused due to gas. Stating the situation, a Cumbria Police spokesperson said that an initial blast site examination would be conducted to determine the cause and added that it was too soon to identify the cause.
BBC Cumbria confirmed that an investigation had been launched to establish the source of the alleged gas explosion. In the meantime, people living nearby have been evacuated amid fears of a possible gas leak and have been offered shelter at a nearby community center. The investigation into the exact details of the blast remains ongoing. The people that have been injured are currently in a hospital receiving medical treatment, and the tight-knit community is coming together to provide the help and support required for those affected
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