Floral tributes placed near the scene of Benwell explosion as second death confirmed
A seven-year-old boy and a man believed to be in his 30s died following a house explosion in Benwell in early hours of this morning, police have said
by Nicole Goodwin · ChronicleLiveThe first floral tributes have been arriving close to the scene of a house explosion in which a seven-year-old boy and a man believed to be in his 30s died.
Families in Benwell and the wider community were left shocked and saddened yesterday when several flats were reduced to rubble following the blast at around 12.45am on Wednesday morning. Many homes in the surrounding area were evacuated and local residents, businesses and charities rallied together to gather donations to help those impacted by what was quickly declared a major incident by emergency services.
Search efforts continued throughout Tuesday and on Wednesday afternoon Northumbria Police confirmed a seven-year-old boy had died at the scene. Today, the force confirmed a second person had died following the incident.
A body – believed to be that of a man in his 30s – was found yesterday in the debris by emergency crews. Formal identification for both those who tragically died is yet to take place.
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."
As the community heard of the tragic news, people started to lay flowers in memory of those who lost their lives.
Two bouquets of white flowers were placed against a wall on Buddle Road, close to the large police cordon which remains in place. Both were attached with sympathy cards expressing condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed away.
They were soon followed by a number of additional floral tributes which have been placed by members of the community throughout the morning.
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