A house has collapsed after a massive explosion as shocked neighbors say the early morning explosion ‘scared them to death’ as dozens of firefighters remain at the scene
- A house in south London collapsed after an explosion this morning
- The cause of the explosion is still unclear and people are being asked to avoid the area
- It is not known if there are any injuries, but the ambulance is on the line
By Matt Powell for Mailonline
Posted: 08:54, August 8, 2022 | Updated: 09:43, August 8, 2022
Dozens of firefighters raced to the scene of a blaze after a terraced house collapsed following an explosion in Croydon this morning.
Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines attended the scene on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath just after 7am.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the cause of the fire and explosion was unknown.
Adjacent properties were damaged and one person was released from an adjacent building.
The LFB said it had received 13 calls about the incident since 7:08 a.m. and was asking people to avoid the area while the flames were dealt with.
Approximately 40 firefighters rushed to the scene of a collapsed house in Thornton Heath, south London, after a fire and explosion
Nearby properties on Galpin’s Road (pictured) were damaged and one person was freed from a neighboring building
A resident near the house thought the loud explosion was a bomb
Residents living nearby described hearing the explosion this morning, with one saying on Facebook: “The blast scared the life out of me. I’m opposite Galpin’s, their helicopter is circling and sirens are going off,” The Mirror reports.
One user said: “Heard it as I was getting ready for work and thought it sounded like an explosion but was hoping I was wrong and it was on a construction site or something.”
Another added: “It was a loud bang thought a bomb had gone off.”
Local councilor Martin Welton tweeted: “There has been a serious fire explosion incident on Galpins Road, Thornton Heath in the Pollards Hill area.
“Emergency services are on the scene. We hope everyone is OK, but information is limited at this stage.”
The causes of the fire and explosion are currently unknown
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said in a statement: “Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire and explosion on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath.
“A house with terraces collapsed after an explosion.
“999 dispatchers received 13 calls about the incident.
“The brigade was called at 0708. Fire crews from Norbury, Mitcham, West Norwood, Woodside and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
“The cause of the fire and explosion is currently unknown.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that there were officers at the scene. A statement on Twitter read: “Officers are at the scene on Galpin’s Road as part of the emergency services response to this incident. Please follow @LondonFire for updates.’
London Ambulance Service said it also responded to the incident.
Add Comment