A severe explosion has torn through a residential street in Bradford, reducing multiple homes to rubble and leaving a scene of utter devastation. The massive blast occurred on Kingsdale Drive in the Holmewood area on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Emergency services, including six fire engines, police units, and ambulance crews, descended on the scene following reports of a colossal explosion at approximately 2:45 PM. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene with properties completely destroyed and debris scattered across the street.
One male casualty has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries, according to a spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to account for all residents amidst the wreckage.
Local resident Michelle Wildman recounted the terrifying moment: "It was a massive bang - the whole house shook. I thought a plane had come down. I ran outside and there was just black smoke everywhere."
Another eyewitness reported seeing a man being pulled from the rubble by emergency crews before being transported to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The force of the explosion was so powerful that it damaged properties several houses away from the epicentre, with windows blown out and structural damage visible along the street. Police have established a large cordon around the area, and residents from neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a safety precaution.
Gas emergency teams from Northern Gas Networks are on site working to make the area safe and investigate whether a gas-related incident caused the devastating blast. The Health and Safety Executive has been notified of the incident.
Authorities have warned the public to avoid the area entirely while emergency operations continue. A major incident response remains in effect as teams work through the night to secure the scene and support affected residents.
