Two people in hospital following horrific Blackburn gas explosion

Two men are being treated in hospital following a suspected gas explosion at a property in Blackburn last night.

Emergency services received reports of a building collapse on London Road just before 8pm. It is believed a gas issue at the property resulted in the devastating explosion.

One man was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital while another was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital - neither are believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries. It is understood 50 people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, however, Blackburn and Darwen Borough COuncil said there is no ongoing risk, Lancs Live reports.

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Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The gas explosion must have been really frightening for everybody involved. I’m really sorry one family has lost their home and eight other families needed to be evacuated. I hope the man who was inside at the time makes a speedy recovery.

“The Council has been working closely with all the other public services to respond to the explosion. I know that people in the community pulled together to make sure the 50 people who needed to leave their homes had a safe place to go last night which has helped tremendously. There will be welfare officers meeting with them to make sure they are supported.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services said: "We are currently dealing with a domestic building incident on London Road in Blackburn.

"We have fire engines from Blackburn and Hyndburn in attendance, and our Urban