A gas explosion in Worksop has led to the partial destruction of a terraced house and the evacuation of multiple homes, prompting authorities to declare a major incident on Saturday night (April 12).
Emergency services were called to John Street in the Nottinghamshire market town at 7:39pm, where they found a house almost entirely collapsed, with rubble and timber strewn across the street. Nottinghamshire Police, along with fire crews from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, immediately cordoned off the area.
Officials confirmed the explosion originated from a gas leak and caused significant structural damage not only to the targeted home but also to adjacent properties.
Evacuations and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As a safety precaution, residents in the surrounding area were evacuated. Many were taken to temporary shelters at local football grounds and community centres. Multiple roads near John Street remain closed, and the public has been urged to avoid the area.
In a Sunday morning update, the fire service confirmed: “The building involved in this explosion has been significantly damaged. Structural engineers will assess the site later today, but emergency work is ongoing with Urban Search and Rescue teams.”
Witnesses Recall ‘Almighty Explosion’
Local residents described hearing a thunderous blast that rattled windows and fences. Jonathan Hodson, 51, who lives nearby on Trent Street, said: “We were in the garden when we heard an almighty explosion. Fence panels rattled, and the windows were shaking.”
Another neighbour, Becky Eyre, 44, said: “It was a serious boom. We’ve got to hope everyone is okay. No one will be living in that property anytime soon – one neighbour’s conservatory roof has come down.”
Several people reported significant damage to their homes. Some residents said they personally knew the family who lived in the affected property and were anxiously awaiting updates about their condition.
Investigation Underway
The full cause of the gas explosion in Worksop is under investigation, with structural engineers expected to inspect the area for further risk. Emergency teams remain on site as they work to account for all affected individuals.
The UK’s emergency services have reiterated their advice for people to stay clear of the area until it is declared safe.
