Boy, 7, dies after 'devastating explosion' and major housefire in Newcastle

The seven-year-old boy died at the scene, whilst six others were taken to hospital, a spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said.

Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police added that a number of others had been evacuated from their homes.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Adams said it had been a “truly devastating outcome”. He confirmed that an investigation was now underway into the explosion's cause.

He added that a cordon was likely to be in place “for some time”.

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.”

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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 confirmed that all fires have now been extinguished and firefighters are continuing to search the buildings to ensure that all persons are accounted for.

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

Four paramedic crews arrived at the scene, accompanied by four units from the North East Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team (HART).

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown.

Drone pictures show at least one house completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble. The "explosion" appears to have also decimated one half of the adjoining next-door properties.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.

"Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."

Witnesses on social media claimed that they heard an "explosion" in the early hours of the morning of the Benwell and Elswick area.

We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.

Please avoid the area.

Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and residents should keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke. pic.twitter.com/mAHbs49G7U

— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) October 16, 2024

Officials are warning people motorists that Buddle Road is closed in both directions from B1305 Atkinson Road (Benwell) to St Johns Road (Elswick).

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: "We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large-scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle.

"Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice. Thank you."

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are also at the scene alongside emergency services.

A spokesperson from the company said: "Northern Gas Networks engineers are this morning (October 16) responding to an incident in the area of Violet Close, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear. Our teams are supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident."

One resident praised the efforts of the emergency services online. They said: "What a horrible thing to see this was big respect to all you firefighters especially the first ones on scene straight into the already badly damaged building that was collapsing and burning very quick."

Another individual said that they felt the explosion whilst working. "Working on Scotswood Road and heard/felt the explosion rocked the asphalt plant," they said.

Describing the "bang", a local posted: "Hope everyone is ok. I did hear a massive bang and thought it was along by Pendower way."

Another chimed in: "I heard a huge bang about 12.45 this morning and the windows shook, I was in Swalwell, hope everyone is ok."