Gas explosion at a Blackpool guesthouse leaves several injured
Six people have been injured in the blast just yards from the sea front
SEVERAL people have been injured after a massive gas explosion at a house in Blackpool.
Air ambulances and fire crews were called to a guest house, just yards from the sea front, at around 6pm today.
Two people were trapped inside the property but were rescued. They have been taken to hospital.
A nearby resident told the that the property had been "obliterated".
He said: "I just saw the front of the building go completely out.
"Parts of the building just disappeared into the street".
Lancashire Fire and Rescue said in a statement: "We've several fire engines and specialist appliances such as urban search and rescue team dealing with a suspected gas explosion in Blackpool."
Lancashire Police said: "We were called at around 5.55pm this afternoon to the report of a gas explosion at a guest house on Charles Street, Blackpool.
"Officers have attended along with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service.
"A number of people have been treated by paramedics at the scene."
Force incident manager, Insp Kevin Otter, of Lancashire Police, said it was "very lucky" nobody had been killed in the blast.
He said: "There were no fatalities. Six people have injuries but no major issues, fortunately so.
"A female was trapped at one point and a male too."
Investigations are underway into the source of the explosion, which is thought to have been inside the property.
Blackpool Police said: "A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents on Charles Street and Milbourne Street have been evacuated.
"Road closures have been put in place on nearby Cookson Street and Grosvenor Street and people are being advised to avoid the area."
"A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents on Milbourne Street have been evacuated. Road closures have been put in place on nearby Cookson Street and Grosvenor Street and people are being advised to avoid the area."
A local resident told the that they saw "approximately six police vans, numerous police cars, two fire engines and ambulances and paramedic cars".
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