House almost destroyed in gas explosion in Bude

It had been reported that two people were trapped inside the house but fortunately this was not the case. Credit: Bude Community Fire Station

Dramatic pictures have been released of an explosion at a house in Bude in Cornwall.

Fire crews were called to the semi-detached home at 9pm on Wednesday, 20 January. Remarkably - given the damage revealed in the photos - no one was seriously hurt.

It had been reported there could be two people trapped in the building but, fortunately, this proved not to be the case.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Last night a 999 call was received reporting an explosion at a domestic property and a strong smell of gas around Traly Close, Bude.

"It was also reported that there were possibly two casualties trapped in the building with three walking wounded.

"Appliances from Bude Community Fire Station and Holsworthy were mobilised to the scene along with specialist shoring equipment to help stabilise the two-storey semi-detached house."

Two men and a woman were taken to hospital with minor injuries following the explosion. Credit: Bude Community Fire Station

The fire service spokesperson said crews confirmed there were no casualties trapped inside, adding: "Crews remained on scene until the property had been assessed by a structural surveyor. The incident was left in the hands of Devon and Cornwall Police."

The house remains cordoned off as of Thursday 21 January.

Police say the three occupants, two men and a woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

This photo, taken by fire crews at the scene, shows the extent of the damage to the house. Credit: Bude Community Fire Station

A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said the explosion resulted in "partial destruction of the property, adding: "The fire service, ambulance service, and a structural engineer attended.

"Three occupants, two men and a woman, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The next door residents were evacuated.

"All those affected have found alternative accommodation."

Glenn Thorne, Wales & West Utilities Gas Emergency Service Manager for Bude said they immediately sent a team to the scene.

He added: “We worked with the emergency services to make the area safe and carried out all necessary gas safety checks. We have found no evidence of a mains gas leak in the area and the property itself was not connected to our gas network.

“The cause of the explosion is still being investigated by the emergency services, however, we do not believe it is related to the mains gas network."

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