Bristol 'gas explosion': Flames pour from rubble after blast rips through property

A house has been left almost completely destroyed after a suspected gas explosion.

Footage from the scene in Yate near showed flames erupting from the rubble of the home this morning, while another neighbouring house has also caught . The roof and first floor of the property appeared to have been destroyed in the blast, leaving the property hollowed out. Dozens of emergency vehicles are parked up on the residential street, including cars, with fire crews working to extinguish the blaze. Neighbours in adjoining properties were seen being led away from their homes. Eyewitnesses described seeing "debris everywhere" after a loud explosion this morning, while neighbours said they felt a "shuddering" in their homes.

Others described a strong smell of burning sweeping across the road.

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Firefighters have urged members of the public to avoid the area.

A statement from Avon Fire & Rescue service said: "We currently have multiple crews on scene at a property on Lancaster Road, Yate to reports of an explosion.

"Crews are currently working at the scene, and we would advise locals to avoid the area."

Residents said they saw the fire engines turn up around five minutes after the blast.

A number of neighbours had rushed over to offer help before firefighters arrived on scene.

One told the : "There’s debris everywhere and people in the street.

"I’m not sure if it was the neighbours or the people in the house, but it looked like they were being cared for. They looked in shock, in distress."

Claire Young MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury and Yate, said on : "My thoughts are with those who are affected by the suspected gas explosion in Lancaster Road, Yate.

"Thank you to all the emergency services who have responded so quickly."

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