LIVE: One person taken to hospital and block of flats evacuated after suspected gas explosion in Washington

Fire crews have been called to the scene of a suspected gas explosion in Washington.
Image by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. — Fire crews have been called to the scene of a suspected gas explosion in Washington. Image by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters are currently at the scene of the incident on Collingwood Court, in Sulgrave.

Crews were called at around 12 noon.

The suspected gas explosion punched a hole in the third floor of a four-storey block of flats. It blew out bricks and a window, leaving the sitting room exposed.

Specialist gas engineers are at the scene and the block of flats has been evacuated.

Residents shock after suspected gas blast

A spokeswoman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said there were some injuries, but the extent of which is not yet known.

A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a private address on Collingwood Court at 11.56am to reports of an explosion.

"We sent two crews from out Hazardous Area Response Team and a double crewed ambulance.

"We transported one person to Sunderland Royal Hospital."

Northumbria Police are also in attendance.

One person was taken to hospital after a suspected gas explosion at a flat in Collingwood Court.

A force spokesperson said: "At 11.59am today (Monday), police received a report of a suspected gas explosion at a property on Collingwood Court, Washington.

"Officers are currently at the scene. A man has been taken to hospital as a precaution, but nobody is believed to be seriously injured.

"An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any residents with concerns are asked to speak to a nearby officer."

Marie Lawton, 33, who was visiting a friend in the flats said: "I came and saw fire engines, police cars and the ambulance.

Fire crews were called out to a suspected gas explosion at a flat in Collingwood Court, Sulgrave, Washington.

"I didn't know what was going on but they told me to stand outside and my friend has been told to stay inside.

"He thought there had been a chip pan fire but then I've been told there has been some kind of gas explosion.

"My friend phone me and said he was fine."

A spokesperson from Northern Gas Networks said:"Our engineers are on site at Collingwood Court in Washington, to support the emergency services."

Fire crews remain at the scene of the suspected gas explosion in Sulgrave.

Firefighters are at the scene of a suspected gas explosion at Collingwood Court in Washington.
Image by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. — Firefighters are at the scene of a suspected gas explosion at Collingwood Court in Washington. Image by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The block of flats in Collingwood Court, SUlgrave, Washington, has been evacuated after a suspected gas explosion.

A block of flats was evacuated after the suspected gas explosion.