Two houses reportedly ‘burnt down’ after huge explosion in Stevenage

Emergency services on the scene last night at Cavell Walk in Stevenage following a house explosion. Credit: @Cave_Art_Films (Image: Archant)

Emergency services are on the scene at Cavell Walk after the explosion which took place at about 10pm.

There has been no official comment made on any injuries at the scene at this stage, but one woman said: “Apparently everyone has been accounted for alive, one person has gone to hospital, but still safe and well – including the dogs.”

A man who witnessed the incident said: “A man pulled up to his house and it blew up. I’ve heard he went in to save his dogs.

“Two houses have been damaged.

“If he had got home literally a minute earlier he would have been in the house.

“His dogs are alive, but quite burnt at the vets I’ve been told.

“The man who lived in the house is in his 40s.

“He was quite badly burnt as he went into his house to save his dogs.”

A man from nearby Pankhurst Crescent said: “From what I have seen a house is burnt down – possibly two.

“We heard the explosion and the windows shook – there is a third house that had smoke coming from the roof.

“I saw a man being taken away in an ambulance so I am hoping he is fine.

“The fire was like a wild animal and much taller than the houses.

“A few people tell me it was a gas explosion but there was a hell of a lot of damage.

“From what I have seen two houses have gone and my thoughts are with them all.”

One woman said: “The fire was horrible and the explosion is huge”.

Another person at the scene said: “I have never seen so many police cars in one place in the town.”

The surrounding area – including Chells Way – has been cordoned off.