Gas explosion in Worcestershire leaves man critically ill

• Man in severe condition after gas explosion in Evesham, Worcestershire.
• 35 surrounding homes had their gas turned off, and 10 were evacuated.
• Some neighbours spent the night at pubs due to the “chaotic” scene.

After what appears to have been a gas explosion in Worcestershire, a 31-year-old man is still in critical condition in the hospital.

On Tuesday, soon after 17:00 GMT, emergency personnel were summoned to a home on Hemmingway in Evesham.

According to West Mercia Police, three other injured people—two men and a woman—have been released from the hospital.

Thirty-five homes nearby had their gas temporarily turned off, and ten nearby residences had to be evacuated.

The structure was destroyed, and nearby properties also sustained damage.

Many of those who were evacuated chose to stay with friends or relatives, according to police, who predicted that the cul-de-sac would likely stay closed until Thursday.

According police Supt. Nigel Webster, the neighborhood “came together,” with some people spending the night in a neighborhood pub.

“This was, of course, a devastating incident and our thoughts are with those injured, their families and the local residents,” he said.

Sandra Cox, who lives nearby, described hearing an “almighty bang” and feeling her whole house shake.

“We were just sitting in the lounge, playing with the children and having a good time, when all of a sudden… there was an almighty bang,” she said.

“[It] frightened the life out of all of us. It shook the house, it was horrible.”

She described scenes around the incident as “chaotic”.

“There’s been fire engines, ambulances, police cars, you name it.”

The former nurse said she had gone to the scene to speak to officers following the explosion.

“I wondered if anyone was seriously injured. I am more concerned about the people than I am about their houses, because a house can be replaced but a person can’t,” she said.

As investigations progress, police and the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service are still on the scene.

The public has been urged to avoid the area.

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