Child and three adults in hospital after fire rages through house following ‘explosion’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters around the world

Sign up for our free Morning Headlines email

A child and three adults are in hospital after a “large-scale” fire in a residential area in Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to the fire at a property in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area, at around 12.45pm on Wednesday.

Images and videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing the house, with users reporting in advance that they had heard an ‘explosion’. Engineers from Northern Gas Networks were on site in the morning.

While firefighters battled the blaze, local residents were told to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed to avoid exposure to the smoke.

Northumbria Police also urged people to avoid Violet Close due to road closures in Buddle Road and other nearby streets.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before 12.45pm today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who were dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of ​​Newcastle.

“Emergency services remain on site.

“Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke.”

The North East Ambulance Service sent four paramedic teams, four hazardous area response teams and a doctor.

A spokesperson said: “We have treated four patients – three adults and one child – and taken them to hospital for further treatment.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene on Wednesday morning to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to investigate the cause.

A spokesperson said: “We currently have several firefighting resources on site at a large-scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice.”

A spokesperson for Northern Gas Networks said: “Engineers are responding to an incident in the area of ​​Violet Close, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear this morning.

“Our teams are supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident.”