One young life lost and four injuries confirmed as investigations continue into the cause of a large explosion in Heysham.
Emergency services were called shortly after 2:40am to reports of a large bang and reports that a number of houses on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham had collapsed.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police has said:
“We are currently at the scene of s suspected gas explosion on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham.”
“We were called at 2:40am this morning to reports that a number of houses on the road had collapsed.”
"We can now confirm that sadly a young child has died as a result of the accident. The family have been informed and our thoughts remain with them at this distressing time."
"Another four people, two men and two women have been taken to hospital with serious injuries"
“Our officers are at the scene along with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service”
“A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents have been evacuated.”
“Road closures are in place on nearby Littledale Ave and people are being asked to avoid the entire area while we deal with this ongoing incident”
Electricity North West have isolated power in the area as a safety precaution.
Lancashire and Fire Rescue Service tell us:
“We are currently dealing with an incident on Mallowdale Avenue, Heysham. We have 10 fire engines in attendance as a major incident has been declared.”
Its understood the forces of the blast could be felt into Lancaster. Local resident Helen Carter comments on social media, “I heard the bang and jumped up, I’m near Rylands Park.”
David Goodier also comments: “The bang woke me up as our windows shook too, and we’re about ½ mile away! Fingers crossed for everyone nearby”
**This item is a live news story and is being updated as information becomes available - last updated 08:43am 16/05/21**
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
