Everything we know about the Benwell house explosion as police confirm second body has been found

Northumbria Police confirmed that a second body – believed to be that of a man in his 30s – was found in the debris

A seven-year-old boy and a man believed to be in his 30s have died following an explosion, Northumbria Police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to a house explosion on Violet Drive in Benwell shortly before 12.45am on Wednesday morning. Tyne and Wear Fire Service were on the scene within five minutes and quickly declared a major incident.

Several homes were evacuated and a large cordon remains in place as fire crews, police officers and gas engineers continue to work at the scene. An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the explosion.

Six people with varying degrees of injuries were taken to hospital as a result of the incident, including one child. A man in his 30s remains in hospital and is described as being in a critical but stable condition. Five patients have since been discharged.

On Wednesday afternoon, Northumbria Police confirmed a seven-year-old boy had died following the blast.

And today the force confirmed a second body – believed to be that of a man in his 30s – was found in the debris by emergency crews yesterday. Formal identification of both is yet to take place.

Police are not believed t have any reports of missing people related to the incident.

What caused the explosion on Violet Close?

Investigations into the cause of the explosion and work to secure the area has been ongoing since Wednesday morning and a cordon is expected to remain in place for some time. Anyone with information which could assist the investigation should complete the dedicated online form, which can be accessed via this link.

Anyone unable to contact the force via this way you call 101, quoting log number NP-20241016-0028. They can also provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.

Supt Darren Adams, from Northumbria Police, said: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives. Specialist officers are supporting their loved-ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.

"We are working with our partners as our investigation continues. For a number of reasons this is complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused.

"As always, we would ask people not to speculate about what has happened both online and within the community. As we have previously made clear and I would reiterate now, we are committed to providing answers to what has happened.

"I would like to thank the community for their continued support and cooperation at this incredibly tragic time."

How big was the emergency services response?

At the height of the incident, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service had eight fire appliances, a command unit, search and rescue dogs and an urban search and rescue team.

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) dispatched four double crewed ambulances, four Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical on-call, as well as a doctor.

Newcastle City Council also worked throughout the day to arrange accommodation for residents who were evacuated.

What has Newcastle City Council said about the incident?

Cllr Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "We are deeply saddened to learn that a man has tragically lost his life following yesterday's incident at Violet Close. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all those affected by this heart-breaking news. It is devastating that two people have lost their lives, and our thoughts remain firmly with their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

"Our immediate focus is on supporting the residents who have been displaced from their homes. Our housing officers have ensured that everyone has a safe place to stay while investigations continue, and we will remain committed to helping those impacted by this tragic event. Some residents have found accommodation with friends and family, while others are in temporary hotel accommodation as we work to secure suitable long-term options.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their tireless efforts at the scene and to the local community for their support during this difficult time.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority, and we will continue to provide any necessary assistance for as long as it's needed."

How has the community responded to the incident?

Emma Skillen, manager of Merton Lodge community centre, opened the building in the early hours of Wednesday morning to provide shelter to those who had to leave their homes. She also added a post on Facebook informing the community that the centre would be accepting donations of food, drinks and clothing for families who had to evacuate.

Emma said: "All I could think about was the families standing outside with nowhere to go, so I grabbed my coat, put my shoes on and walked down to Buddle Road.

"I went straight over to police and said I was opening up the community centre for families and the next thing I knew they were bringing all the families in. Just after 1.30am around 50 families turned up. There was so many people that everyone couldn't fit in the centre. We had people sitting on the wall outside in the rain."

Margaret Ramsay and her dog Rosie are just some of those who have been able to receive support from the community centre. The 61-year-old said she left her home with no money and believed that she would be put up in a hotel until her home was assessed.

She said: "One of the panes of glass in the front bedroom window had been smashed out, my lampshade fell off the ceiling in the back bedroom and there's loads of big cracks across the ceiling."

A number of online fundraisers have been set up to help those impacted by the explosion. Kieran Chapman, who is currently appearing on Married at First Sight UK, is one of the people to launch a GoFundMe page to support the community. He has a target of £50,000 and has already raised thousands thanks to kind donations. To donate to Kieran's appeal and to help support the families in need, visit his GoFundMe page here.

Floral tributes have also been placed at Buddle Road in memory of those who sadly lost their lives.

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