Massive 'explosion' in Newcastle leaves four in hospital 

by · Mail Online

Three adults and one child have been rushed to hospital following reports of a massive 'explosion' in Newcastle.

Firefighters, police and gas engineers rushed to the scene on Violet Close in the Benwell area of the city at around 12.45am this morning. 

Reports on social media suggest there was an explosion at an address which sparked the blaze.

Police are urging people to avoid the area and to keep their doors and windows closed. There are also road closures in place around the surrounding area. 

A spokesperson for Northern Networks said: 'Our engineers are on-site this morning in Violet Close, Newcastle, supporting the emergency services.'

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: 'We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle.

'Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice.'

Flames engulfing what appears to be a property on Violet Close in Newcastle earlier this morning (pictured) 
Firefighters are currently at the scene in Violet Close, Newcastle, following reports of an explosion overnight
Firefighters, police and gas engineers are at the scene on Violet Close in Benwell 

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today.

'We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.

Emergency workers at the scene on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle this morning
Four people have been rushed to hospital following reports of a massive 'explosion' 
A large emergency presence on the scene in the Benwell area of Newcastle 
Reports on social media suggest there was an explosion at an address which sparked the blaze
Firefighters pictured at the scene were a massive explosion broke out as four people have been hospitalised 

'We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment.'

The Salvation Army is providing support at the scene and some local residents have appealed for blankets and water bottles to be brought to the nearby community centre.

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

'Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.

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