A man has died following an explosion on a street in Rotherham, with locals reporting a "massive bang" audible from miles away. Emergency services were called to Clifton Mount on Tuesday afternoon, where the man was "sadly found deceased" at the scene, according to South Yorkshire Police.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the blast is still being investigated. Gas distributor Cadent Gas stated it was "not an issue related to our gas network." A police spokesperson added: "Initial enquiries indicate that there is no risk to the wider community."
Clifton Mount was cordoned off to allow emergency services to work, but has since been reopened to the public.
Emergency Response
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called at 13:18 BST to reports of an explosion on Clifton Mount in Rotherham. Three fire engines from Rotherham and Tankersley fire stations attended and made the scene safe alongside partner agencies."
A Cadent Gas spokesperson commented: "First and foremost, our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the individual who has lost their life in tragic circumstances. Cadent's role on site has been to support the emergency services as best we possibly can, and we will continue to do that."
Resident Shock
Local resident Craig Cockram said he received a knock at his door from police roughly 30 minutes after he "heard a bang...as if there was a shooting." Officers informed him they were evacuating occupants from the three-storey block of flats where he lives on Clifton Mount. "I'm just shocked, bemused," he said. "I can't believe what's happened."
