A COMMUNITY has pulled together after a suspected gas explosion which left three people seriously injured in hospital and forced others out of their homes.
Emergency services were called just after 4.20pm yesterday (December 31) to the incident at a terraced house on Hugh Street in Bransty, Whitehaven.
Three casualties – two men and a woman – were taken from the scene to hospital by ambulance having suffered serious injuries.
Surrounding homes have been evacuated while police, the fire service, Cumberland Council and utility companies work to ensure the area is safe.
Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Bransty on Cumberland Council, said: “It’s incredibly sad for it to happen any time of the year but especially New Year when everybody is expecting to enjoy the festivities and it’s been overshadowed by this.
“All credit to the emergency services and Cumberland officers who have been leading the response. They have been really proactive and have dealt with it absolutely brilliantly.
“Tesco opened up to allow people to get refuge in the café. The community response has been absolutely amazing.
“I was getting loads of messages from people offering places to stay. It has shown once again that Bransty’s community spirit is absolutely amazing. It’s a close-knit community and they have stepped up when it counts.”
Ruth McDonald, a board member of Bransty Community Group, said: “Bransty is a community. All our hearts go out to these people affected.
“We would really like to thank Tesco for opening their café for people who had to come out of their homes. Also, Bransty British Legion have offered to open their doors if anybody needs to go there to get warm.
“Bransty people will pull together, when needed.”
Emma Ralls Reid, who owns Emma Ralls Wealth Management on Countess Road on Bransty, said: “I’m so very sorry to hear about the explosion and hope that the people who were injured make a speedy recovery and that all the residents who were evacuated are ok.
“I’m sure it was a terrible shock to all and me and my team send our love and strength to all affected.”
People are being asked to avoid the area while emergency services personnel carry out their work at the scene.
Anyone affected by the incident who needs emergency housing support is advised to contact the council’s out of hours Copeland homelessness team at 0300 373 3730 or email housing.options@cumberland.gov.uk
Council offices are back open tomorrow (January 2) including the Market Hall in Whitehaven.
A number of animals were rescued by police following the incident. People are advised to contact the Police Control Room to arrange repatriation, quoting incident 134 of December 31.