Emergency services are still at the scene
Emergency services remain at the site of a suspected gas explosion. Search and rescue workers are combing the rubble of a property for a pet dog which is believed to be trapped.
Images from the scene, on Gillet Street in Preston, show a whole wall of the building was destroyed in the blast which happened last night, Saturday November 2. Earlier today, Lancashire Police said a man had suffered burn injuries in the blast and is receiving treatment in hospital.
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The force confirmed considerable structural damage had been done to the house when they arrived at the scene last night. Search and rescue teams, along with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service personnel and police sniffer dogs, are currently working at the scene, reports Lancs Live.
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An investigation into the cause of the explosion has now been launched. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “You might have seen some activity from the emergency services in the Fishwick area of Preston overnight and we want to tell you why. Our officers were called by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at 10.35pm yesterday to an address in Gillett Street, Preston, to a report of a gas explosion.
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“The emergency services attended, and it was found that significant damage had been caused to a house. A man suffered burn injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains.”
“A small number of surrounding properties were evacuated. A joint investigation will be launched in due course with our colleagues from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies to establish the cause and circumstances that led to the suspected gas explosion.” Anyone with information has been urged to call 101, quoting log 1500 of November 2, 2024.