Dowlais gas explosion leaves two teenagers seriously injured

Two teenagers have been left with “serious injuries” following a reported gas explosion at a house. Police were called to the property in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, February 1, following reports of an explosion.

Two people – a man aged 19 and a woman aged 18 – were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive, who are investigating the cause, said there were five people in the house at the time.

A spokesperson said: “HSE has been made aware of a suspected gas explosion in a family home in Merthyr Tydfil. There were five people in the house at the time and they were all taken to hospital.

"Two people remain in hospital with burn injuries, these are not believed to be life threatening. HSE is investigating the cause of the explosion.”

Homes nearby were damaged and those properties had to be evacuated. South Wales Fire and Rescue said that five people in total were evacuated and taken to hospital.

Local policing inspector Jon Duckham from South Wales Police said: “A number of properties on Glanmor Gardens were evacuated due to damage caused. Two people, a 19-year-old man and a 18-year-old woman, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident. I would like to thank the community of Dowlais for their patience, support, and understanding to those affected and our staff at the scene.”

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation and police are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive. Scroll down to get the latest updates on this story.