A horrific explosion in Newcastle’s Benwell and Elswick neighborhood has left a community in shock and mourning. A seven-year-old boy lost his life in the tragedy, and six others were hospitalized with injuries.
The blast occurred just before 1:00 am, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by a bright flash, with one local resident recounting:
“I thought it was a car crash at first, but then I smelled something and knew something was terribly wrong. We rushed outside, and it was clear that something horrific had happened.”
Drone footage revealed the extent of the damage, with six apartments severely damaged and one house completely demolished. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay noted that the explosion was concentrated in two of the apartments.
A police cordon remains in place as firefighters and emergency personnel continue to search through the debris. Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams described the incident as “a truly devastating outcome.”
“I stand here today with deep sorrow to confirm the untimely loss of a young child. Our thoughts are with his family and all those affected during this extremely difficult time,” Superintendent Adams said.
Six people were taken to the hospital following the explosion, although the full extent of their injuries has not been disclosed. Nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution, and the local community has come together to provide support to those affected.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. As the community struggles to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
