A suspected gas explosion in Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes, has left one man in hospital and prompted evacuations of nearby residents. The blast, which occurred on Cobb Hall Road, sent masonry flying across the street, with dramatic footage capturing the moment bricks were propelled into the air.
Emergency response and injuries
Thames Valley Police were called to the scene at about 9.44am on Sunday following reports of an explosion, fire, and collapse of a property. One man sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains. Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue described the incident as a suspected gas explosion and said the injured man had been passed into the care of South Central Ambulance Service.
Gas distribution company SGN confirmed that residents living nearby were evacuated. An SGN spokesperson said: "Following reports of an explosion in Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville, our engineers joined the emergency services on site this morning. We understand that a resident has been taken to hospital to receive treatment and our thoughts are with them."
Community support and witness accounts
Local pub The Crooked Billet became a hub for those forced from their homes. Landlady Ness Thornton-Kitchen told the BBC: "The pub is all about being the middle of the village and the middle of the community. Those people that needed us and needed that help had somewhere safe to come."
A neighbour whose doorbell camera captured dramatic footage of the explosion, and who asked not to be named, said their own home was also damaged. Nicki Richardson, a friend of the neighbour, said: "It is absolutely frightening to see the force of the explosion from a property opposite."
Witness describes scene
Sue Watkins, 65, who lives nearby, heard two "very loud thuds" and felt the ground shaking at around 9.30am. She also spotted a man "looking dazed" close to the bungalow. She was sitting in her garden when it happened. She said: "There was a bungalow on fire, black; front had been blown off; roof was gone. There was a man sitting on the ground outside looking dazed and shocked, people around looking after him."
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue said it had sent four fire engines to the scene. A Thames Valley Police statement said: "At around 9.44am emergency services were called to Cobb Hall Road, to a report of an explosion, fire and collapse of a property. One person sustained injuries, requiring hospital treatment, where they remain."
