Crews remain at the scene of house explosion after man 'in his 70s' airlifted to hospital

Emergency services remain at the scene of an explosion near Stockport which led to a man being airlifted to hospital. Residents on Ollersett Avenue, in New Mills, woke to their street 'shaking' following an explosion at around 8am today (November 14).

Twelve properties were evacuated in the area, with 39 people forced out of their homes. A man, believed to be in his 70s, was airlifted to hospital following the explosion. Eyewitnesses described how he had been 'dragged' out of the wreckage by neighbours.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. A large emergency services presence has remained on the street this evening, although the operation from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has been scaled down.

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In its most recent statement this evening, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters remain at the scene of an explosion on Ollersett Avenue, New Mills. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at 8.07 hours this morning, Tuesday 14 November.

"A gentleman was taken to hospital by air ambulance and twelve properties were evacuated, with a rest centre set up at New Mills Leisure Centre for those affected. An investigation into the exact cause of the explosion remains ongoing.

"Crews from New Mills, Glossop, Whaley Bridge and Buxton with the command support unit initially responded to the incident, however this has now been scaled back. Firefighters from New Mills remain at the scene for safety purposes alongside partners from Cadent Gas,