A man has been killed in an explosion on a residential street in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, after reports of a "massive bang" heard from miles away. Emergency services were called to a row of terraces on Clifton Mount at 1.20pm on Monday. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion.
Gas network ruled out
Gas distributor Cadent Gas confirmed it was "not an issue related to our gas network." The area was temporarily cordoned off before police allowed the public back in after determining there was no further risk.
One local said: "I was walking through Clifton Park, sounded like a bomb had gone off." Another passerby reported hearing a "massive bang" from more than a kilometre away at the Rotherham McDonald's.
Resident describes shock
A resident who lives in a block of flats on Clifton Mount told the BBC he was "shocked" and "bemused" about the incident after being evacuated from the three-storey block following a "bang" 30 minutes prior. He told the BBC: "I can't believe what's happened."
There was a strong police presence with eight vehicles and a Tactical Support Group van spotted near the site.
Police investigation ongoing
South Yorkshire Police told the Rotherham Advertiser they were working with other emergency services to establish the cause of the fire. They said: "At 1.18pm today we were alerted by the fire service of reports of an explosion on Clifton Mount, in Rotherham. Emergency services attended and a man was sadly found deceased.
"In collaboration with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services, enquiries are ongoing to confirm the cause of the explosion. Initial enquiries indicate that there is no risk to the wider community. Clifton Mount was closed but has since been reopened."
Cadent Gas told the BBC: "Cadent's role on site has been to support the emergency services as best we possibly can, and we will continue to do that."
