A major incident has been declared after a man died in a massive gas explosion which destroyed a property in Nottinghamshire.
After working through the night to search for residents, police have confirmed this morning that the man died at the scene despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services.
Swooping on the scene around 7.30pm on Saturday night, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that several houses surrounding the street were evacuated.
Chief Inspector Clive Collings, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This is an extremely serious incident that has led to a man’s untimely death.
Authorities have declared a major incident after a massive gas explosion destroyed a house in Nottinghamshire
PA
“The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. I have no doubt that this incident will have come as a shock to the community in Worksop."
The council is providing support to those affected by the incident, while authorities have launched an investigation to identify the cause of the explosion and to ensure all local residents are accounted for.
Nottinghamshire Police said that the house was "partially destroyed" and that other residences were damaged.
Footage shared online shows a terraced house with its roof caved in, while the property's next-door neighbours sustained further damage to windows and exterior.
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This morning, the NFRS posted: "Three fire engines remain on scene at this incident, with fire crews working alongside specialist Urban Search & Rescue Teams to account for all local residents."
They explained that the building involved was "significantly damaged" and will be assessed by structural engineers today.
Locals have been urged to avoid the area altogether while the officials carry out their work.
Last night, the fire service said: "Multiple houses in and around John Street have been evacuated."
Several houses have been evacuated as search and rescue teams work to 'account for all local residents'
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Authorities are working to ensure all local residents are accounted for
PA
Earlier this morning they issued an update following their statement yesterday evening, when they first declared the ordeal to be a "major incident".
They added: "We are likely to be on scene throughout the night and even into Sunday morning, owing to the significant damage to the building."
It confirmed that emergency respondents were summoned to the scene at 7.39pm yesterday evening, with further support deployed from Warsop, Worksop and Mansfield, and Clowne in Derbyshire.
The nearby Crown Place Community was opened last night as a "place of safety" for affected residents.
