Bedford explosion: All we know as one killed in horror house blast

Bedfordshire Police were called astatine astir 7.30am to Cleat Hill, Bedford, aft the incident, wherever they recovered 1 unfortunate who had died and different who needed urgent aesculapian attention

A massive explosion successful Bedford near 1 idiosyncratic dormant yesterday with different sustaining superior injuries.

At astir 7.30am Saturday morning, officers from Bedfordshire Police arrived astatine an code successful Cleat Hill, wherever they recovered the 2 individuals, with the surviving unfortunate taken to a adjacent hospital.

Reports accidental that the archetypal blast sparked a fire, which consumed the residential property. Images from the country amusement fume billowing into the entity from a huge operation of flames as occurrence crews stitchery on the leafy street. Neighbours were besides evacuated with constabulary advising locals to support their doors and windows closed.

An eyewitness told the Bedford Independent. they felt a shockwave earlier a large bang rang retired on the street. An probe has been launched into the circumstances astir the explosion.

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown said: “Our thoughts are archetypal and foremost with the household and friends of the idiosyncratic who sadly died and the idiosyncratic who is being treated successful hospital.

"We recognize that this incidental is precise concerning for those who unrecorded successful the vicinity. We are inactive advising radical to debar the Cleat Hill country whilst enactment astatine the country continues."

Befordshire Police added successful a Twitter post: "One idiosyncratic is confirmed to person died successful an detonation and consequent occurrence successful Cleat Hill, Bedford this greeting (Saturday). A 2nd idiosyncratic was taken to infirmary to beryllium treated for superior injuries.

"We person has acceptable up an Emergency Assistance Centre for radical who person been evacuated. Enquiries are ongoing to place the origin of the detonation and residents inactive successful their homes should support their windows open.

"We recognize this incidental is precise concerning for those who unrecorded successful the vicinity and are inactive advising for radical to debar the Cleat Hill country whilst enactment astatine the country continues. Anyone needing other affectional enactment tin telephone the Samaritans helpline connected 116 123."

Bedford Borough Council said connected X: "We person an exigency roadworthy closure betwixt Cleat Hill and Kimbolton Road successful Bedford. We inquire each residents to delight debar the area.

"We person acceptable up an Emergency Assistance Centre for radical who person been evacuated. Officers are disposable astatine the Emergency Assistance Centre to springiness proposal and put enactment for those who request it."