Two men are in police custody after a brazen metal theft from a vacant property triggered a massive gas explosion, completely demolishing a house and sending debris flying across a residential street in West Yorkshire.
The incident occurred on Chapel Street in Ravensthorpe, Kirklees, after the suspects allegedly tampered with a gas main inside the unoccupied home while attempting to strip its metal fittings. The subsequent blast on Monday afternoon was so powerful it reduced the end-terrace property to a pile of rubble and caused significant damage to neighbouring homes.
Community Shocked by Devastating Blast
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and gas engineers, rushed to the scene following reports of an explosion. Shocked residents reported hearing a "massive bang" that shook the entire street. One local described the terrifying moment, stating, "The whole street felt it. It was a proper bang – the house is just gone."
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were initially investigating a suspected burglary at the address. A force spokesperson said: "Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft following an explosion at a property on Chapel Street. It is believed the men were attempting to steal metal from the property when the incident occurred."
Miraculous Escape as House Obliterated
Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported despite the sheer force of the explosion, which blew out windows in nearby properties and scattered debris across a wide area. The house itself was utterly destroyed, with only the front wall and chimney stack remaining partially intact amidst the wreckage.
Northern Gas Networks engineers worked through the night to make the area safe and isolate the gas supply. A spokesperson for the utility company confirmed their teams were "working closely with emergency services following a major gas explosion.">
The two arrested men remain in police custody for questioning as investigations into the precise cause of the explosion continue.
