One dead and three in hospital after Swansea house destroyed in ‘gas blast’

13 March 2023, 12:30 | Updated: 14 March 2023, 01:25

The body of a man has been recovered from the scene of an explosion in Swansea, South Wales Police said.

South Wales Police said a search at Clydach Road in Morriston discovered the body of a man who was previously unaccounted for, and his family has been informed.

"An investigation will now get under way to establish the cause of the incident. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed," the force said.

It added: "A multi-agency command room is co-ordinating the emergency response to the incident at Swansea Central police station.

"A rest centre has been set up by the local authority at Morriston memorial hall to support those affected."

Three others were rushed to hospital after a huge explosion destroyed two houses in Swansea.

Debris was strewn into the street after the enormous blast - caused by a suspected gas leak.

Police said this afternoon: "Emergency services are continuing to work at the scene of an explosion on Clydach Road in Morriston.

"Three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance. One person is currently unaccounted for, and work is ongoing to locate them.

"Two properties have been extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties have also been damaged.

"A rest centre has been set up by the local authority to support those affected. This is an ongoing incident so more detail will be provided when we have a clearer picture.

"A cordon remains in place and people are asked to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Clydach Road remains closed, and traffic is being diverted.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who have been affected by this morning's incident and we would like to thank the community for their support whilst this incident is ongoing."

Residents in Swansea reported hearing ‘an enormous loud bang’ and others said nearby properties were left shaking after the blast.

One witness said: “The house is gone, most of it is on the pavement.”

Aerial shot shows aftermath of Swansea explosion

Resident Alamgir Hossain posted scenes of the aftermath of the blast on Facebook, writing: "Suddenly there was an explosion in a house near me. Approximately 20 houses were damaged. The window glass of my house was also broken by the loud noise. By the grace of Allah we are all fine."

More than 100 people have been evacuated from their homes.

South Wales Police said earlier: "Emergency services are responding to an incident on the junction of Field Close and Clydach Road in Morriston. Please avoid the area whilst we deal with the incident."

A major incident has been declared.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at the junction of Field Close and Clydach Road in Morriston. Pictures from the scene show a row of houses affected by the explosion.

Swansea Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart posted on social media: "My thoughts are with the residents at this moment from what looks like an extremely serious incident, as we try and establish if everyone is safe. Our teams are onsite and working with the emergency services."

South Wales Police are asking people to avoid the area.