UK: Horror Early-morning explosion leaves two injured and severely damages homes #TheElitePartyInJuly #IRepEntertain9jarBlog via @myentertain9jar

TWO people have been injured and four homes severely damaged after a gas cylinder exploded in a garage and landed 20 metres away.

The explosion rocked Turnberry Close in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire[BBC/@BUZIBUGDEVON]

The explosion rocked Turnberry Close in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, at about 4.45am this morning causing damage to four homes and a car.

It blew internal doors off their hinges and caused fires in the two nearest houses.

Ambulance staff treated two people - one for shock, and the other for a pre-existing medical condition.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three jets to bring the fire under control and to cool two other gas cylinders.

At the peak of the fire there were 20 firefighters at the scene. 

Station Manager Ian Wilson, from Broughton Fire Station, said: "We are relieved that no-one was injured by the explosion or fire. Had this happened at a different time of day, it could have been an even more serious incident."

Residents who had gathered outside after the explosion were asked to go back indoors because of the risk of another explosion.

 

Four houses were evacuated, and a cordon was set up, initially leading to the closure of nearby Buckingham Road.

An investigation is being carried out to identify the cause of the fire.

Talking to the BBC, a resident of one of the damaged houses said: "There was such a loud explosion I couldn't think what it was.

"Ten minutes later I heard another one so I got up to see what was going on.

"Someone hammered on the door to tell me to get out.

"I think we all got out quick enough."

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue is now urging people not to store gas cylinders in garages and sheds. 

Mr Wilson said: "I am sure there are many other people out there who are currently storing gas cylinders for barbecues, camping stoves and other equipment in their garages and sheds.

"This incident has illustrated the amount of damage that can be caused, not to mention the risk to life, when something goes wrong.

"Gas cylinders should be stored outdoors, ideally in a caged area, away from anything that could start a fire and away from anything that a fire could spread to."