Skip to content

Explosion damaged homes to be demolished

BBC Officers in high-vis jackets stand on a street which is partly fenced off. A house has visible damage to its first flood and roof and a car parked outside also has its roof and windscreen smashed. BBC
The area around Hugh Street in Whitehaven remains cordoned off

Two homes damaged in a suspected gas explosion which left three people injured are to be demolished.

Cumberland Council confirmed the house at 28 Hugh Street in Whitehaven would be taken down, while number 27 would be partially demolished.

"This work will start as soon as practically possible," the local authority said.

Part of the roof and the first-floor window of the terraced house blew off in the blast on New Year's Eve.

People nearby were evacuated and 11 households are being provided with temporary accommodation.

The area remains cordoned off after debris was removed from the pavement and road over the weekend.

Cumberland Council said it would support residents to return to their homes "when safe to do so".

Earlier, rescuers who rushed to help on the night of the blast described the "chaos" that confronted them.

One told the BBC there were "people running around everywhere" while numerous car alarms sounded.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

More on this story
Related internet links