Several people have been injured after an explosion ripped through a property engulfing it in flames and trapping several inside.
Residents reported hearing an explosion that shook the street in Ashford, Kent, shortly before 8am on Tuesday morning.
Emergency services have so far managed to free a ‘number of people’ who were trapped inside the property, in Mill View, Willesborough.
Seven people have been rushed to hospital with two seriously injured and a further five with less serious wounds.
Police officers are still trying to establish whether anyone else is unaccounted for.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said seven fire engines and a height vehicle are currently at the scene as firefighters continue to extinguish the flames.
Video footage shows a huge blaze engulfing a house as officers attempt to keep bystanders back.
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Sharing the footage on Twitter, one local resident wrote: ‘Huge gas explosion on my road, front of the house is completely gone’.
Another local told KentOnline: ‘It looks like just one house is on fire. There is debris absolutely everywhere.’
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Ambulance crews including our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) have attended the scene along with police and fire colleagues. The air ambulance service also joined us at the scene.
‘Two patients have been taken to hospital in London with serious injuries. A further five patients have been taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford with injuries thought to be less serious.
‘We remain at the scene in support of our emergency service colleagues.’
Crews are working with Kent Police and SECAmb, including its Hazardous Area Response team, and the air ambulance has also sent two road vehicles to the scene.
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‘Two casualties have been passed into the care of SECAmb.’
It is not yet known how many properties have been affected by the explosion.
Kent Police have urged people to stay away from the area, while a number of roads are cordoned off.
A spokesman said: ‘Officers from Kent Police are currently working alongside colleagues from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service after being called to a report of an explosion in Mill View, Willesborough, Ashford at 7.57am on Tuesday.
‘A number of people were reported to have been trapped and they were freed by emergency services.
‘Officers are working to establish if anyone else is unaccounted for.
‘Officers are advising people to avoid the area and asking local people to keep their windows closed.’
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