Two men have been taken to hospital with “blast injuries” after a suspected gas explosion at a housing association property in Sunderland.
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Firefighters were called to a suspected gas explosion at a Gentoo property at around 3.46pm yesterday #UKhousing
Firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) received a call reporting an explosion at two Gentoo flats on Whickham Street in Roker at around 3.46pm yesterday.
Four appliances were dispatched to the scene. Two men who had suffered “blast injuries” were found.
Both were attended to by the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and nobody else has been reported to be injured.
Police said yesterday that the injuries were not deemed to be life-threatening, however in a statement this morning the police said that one man’s condition had “deteriorated” and he is now in “in a critical but stable condition”.
Some residents in the immediate vicinity have been evacuated as a precaution.
Gentoo, which has around 29,000 properties across Sunderland, said it is cooperating with the emergency services and the local authority while investigations are ongoing.
A spokesperson added: “We are doing everything that we can to offer as much support as possible to tenants, including providing temporary accommodation.
“The safety of our residents is our priority and we have staff at the scene offering support.
“We are clearly concerned for the well-being of the two confirmed casualties that have been taken to local hospitals. Our thoughts are with the casualties and their families at this difficult time.”
In a statement released yesterday, Peter Heath, deputy chief fire officer at TWFRS, said: “This has been a significant explosion and there has been substantial damage caused to the property in question.”
Specialist fire service staff from TWFRS will remain at the scene to assess the site ahead of an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
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