Man dies after suspected gas blast

Updated 06.11 Thu May 08 2008
Keywords: stanley road, harrow

A man has died after two houses collapsed following a suspected gas explosion.

At least three people were injured in the blast in Stanley Road, off Northolt Road, Harrow, northwest London.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene and emergency services were checking whether anybody else was still in the buildings

Two two-storey cottages collapsed and two people were pulled out of the rubble, London Fire Brigade said.

One of the victims, who has not yet been identified, was later pronounced dead, the London Ambulance Service said.

Rescuers believe there may be more people trapped in the wreckage of the buildings.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene after the explosion shortly after 9.30pm on Wednesday.

National Grid said a team of engineers was also on its way to Stanley Road.

A spokesman for London Ambulance Service said paramedics treated three people for injuries.

He said: "There are three casualties. The first is a 26-year-old man suffering from a serious head injury. He has been taken to Northwick Park hospital.

"The second is a 17-year-old female who who is suffering from burns and has been taken to Chelsea and Westminster hospital.

"The third patient has minor injuries and is being assessed on the scene."

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