A man suffered life-threatening injuries in a gas explosion that destroyed a house in Birmingham and badly damaged at least three others.
Photos of the aftermath show a house completely hollowed out by the blast at 8.38 pm on Dulwich Road, in Kingstanding.
Four other men suffered more minor injuries.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said people at the scene rescued a man from the destroyed house but he had “very significant injuries” and was taken to hospital.
“There was a guy in the back (of the house), we could hear the guy screaming, but he was trapped up against the fridge in the kitchen.
The incident is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion, West Midlands Fire Service said.
A spokesperson from Cadent Gas said its personnel was at the site.
“Our teams are on-site at the incident in Kingstanding, assisting the multi-agency response as the gas emergency service for the West Midlands” they said.
“It is too early to speculate on the cause. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.
“If ever anyone smells gas, nearby or anywhere, it is important to act immediately and ring the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.”
West Midlands Police tweeted: “Thank you for all your kind words. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this.
“Emergency workers from all services and the energy companies are working really hard in very difficult circumstances.
“Thanks to people who have helped shocked and injured neighbors.”
An Ambulance spokesman tweeted: “We are currently dealing with a significant incident in Dulwich Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.
“A large number of ambulances resources are at the scene along with @WestMidsFire and @WMPolice The public are asked to keep away from the area to allow us to work.”
