Three hurt after house ‘explodes’ which neighbours in Illingworth ‘thought was an earthquake’
The scene after the ‘explosion’ in West Yorkshire
(West Yorks Fire and Rescue)Three members of the same family were injured after an explosion which devastated their home and sent neighbours fleeing for their lives.
Witnesses described how they were rocked by what they thought was an earthquake at 7.30am.
Flames engulfed the house in Illingworth, West Yorkshire, and it was left a burned out shell.
A neighbour tweeted: "Felt the explosion! Thought something had hit the house and only noticed the flames on the way back upstairs from checking everything. Fire looks to be out now."
Another resident wrote on Facebook: “There is nothing left of the house.”
Surrounding houses were evacuated as a precaution following the explosion.
A couple and their son suffered what are believed to be minor injuries in the blast and are being treated in hospital.
Within a couple of hours of the incident, local residents had started a fundraising campaign and clothing collection for the family.
One wrote: "Absolutely devastating. Glad all got out safe and hopefully are going to be ok.
"This family has lost everything." Images on social media showed the charred remains of the house, reduced to a pile of rubble.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are currently dealing with an incident at Green Lane, Illingworth, Halifax.”
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