Seven-year-old boy dies in Newcastle house explosion

Emergency services were called to Violet Close, in the Benwell area of the city, shortly before 1am.

Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, confirmed the boy had died at the scene, and six people had been taken to hospital ‘with varying injuries’..

A number of other residents have been evacuated from their homes.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Superintendent Adams said it had been a ‘truly devastating outcome’.

An investigation is now under way into the cause of the explosion and a cordon is likely to be in place ‘for some time’.

Supt Adams told reporters: “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.

“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.

“Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene.

“This is a truly devastating outcome.

“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends.

“The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.”

He added: “Inquiries are still at a very early stage and in the coming hours and days, we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider community.”

Assistant chief fire officer Lynsey McVay, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six flats had been ‘badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion’.

She told reporters that all fires had now been extinguished and firefighters continued to search the buildings to ensure that all persons were accounted for.

Drone pictures from above the street showed at least one house appeared to have been completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.

A family friend of some of the victims said there had been a ‘devastating explosion’.

Andy Riches has set up an online fundraiser in aid of the occupants of one of the homes affected.

He is friends with the grandfather of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, and said: “They have lost everything.”

Firefighters continued to work at the scene using a jet to damp down the house, which was still smouldering.

A fire service van marked “search dogs” was parked nearby, as were gas specialist engineers.

Meanwhile, vehicle recovery workers were taking away several damaged cars on low-loaders.

Commenting on the tragedy, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the young boy who has lost his life in the tragic fire incident which has taken place in Benwell.

“This is sad beyond words for the whole community.  

“My thoughts remain with those taken to hospital and all the residents impacted by this devastating fire.

“I also want to give thanks to our emergency services and partners who bravely attended the scene to rescue, protect and support those affected. We stand with the people of Benwell at this difficult time.”