A terrible calamity shocked Newcastle’s calm neighbourhoods of Benwell and Elswick early this morning.
An enormous explosion followed by a destructive fire shocked the region, causing devastation.
As residents went about their calm night, a sudden “loud bang” and “bright flash” ripped across the streets.
One resident said the blast was so loud that their “whole house shook.”
Firefighters, paramedics, and police responded quickly.
They got on the site in minutes, only to find destruction, ruins, and panicked families.
The explosion badly impacted six flats, two of which took the brunt of the blast.
According to Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay, drone footage captured the horrible aftermath, which included several buildings reduced to rubble.
Firefighters and expert units, including search dogs, worked diligently to extinguish the fire.
They continued to explore through the rubble to verify that no other victims were trapped beneath it.
The explosion forced some inhabitants from their houses, leaving the town stunned.
Locals were seen wailing on the streets as they witnessed the devastation all around them.
Despite the emergency services’ quick response, the fire continued into the morning.
Eight fire engines were dispatched, along with urban search and rescue teams to deal with the issue.
Despite the devastation, six people were brought to the hospital with varied degrees of injury.
The cause of the explosion is already being investigated, and Northern Gas Networks is helping the emergency services on the scene.
Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams underlined that inquiries are still in their early stages.
He noted that the inquiry would continue in the next hours and days to determine the full scope of the tragedy.
As the dust settles, the town is forced to deal with the consequences of this tragic tragedy.
An online campaign has been put up to help one of the families who lost everything in the explosion.
However, the most terrible information came later in the day.
A seven-year-old kid died in the Explosion.
Despite emergency workers’ best efforts, the kid was unable to be saved.
Superintendent Darren Adams acknowledged his grief, saying, “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today, following the tragic death of a young child.”
“This is a truly devastating outcome, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family,” she said.
As Newcastle copes with this unspeakable loss, the trauma of the catastrophe will last for years.
This catastrophe has left Benwell and Elswick locals with vivid and tragic memories.
The community will continue to support those affected, but the aftermath of last night’s explosion will not be forgotten.
Featured Image Credit: PA
