A large blast described by residents as a gas explosion ripped through a house on a residential street in Bradford on Saturday night, tearing off the front of the property and scattering rubble across the road, police and local witnesses said.
Neighbouring residents reported hearing a "loud bang" at about 10:11 p.m. on Southfield Lane in the Little Horton area. Emergency services arrived shortly afterwards and closed the road as firefighters, police and ambulance crews worked at the scene.
Videos and photographs shared on social media and seen by reporters showed the front of the house collapsed, the roof over lower rooms ripped away and debris including shards of glass and pieces of brick strewn across the street. In one clip the roof appeared to have a large hole and ceiling beams were exposed. Firefighters were shown climbing over piles of rubble and using hoses at the rear of the property.
Police officers established a cordon and moved people to safety, and ambulance crews treated several residents at the scene, with footage showing some people being led to ambulances for further care. Personnel in protective suits were also visible in some images and video, though the precise role and reason for that clothing has not been confirmed by authorities.
West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire Service were contacted for comment. At this stage emergency services described the incident as being investigated following reports consistent with a gas explosion, but no official cause has been released and enquiries remain ongoing.
Local residents gathered outside the cordon following the blast, watching emergency teams work through the wreckage. Firefighters used torches to examine the interior of the damaged home and appeared to be checking for further hazards as search and safety operations continued into the night.
The incident has disrupted the immediate area and prompted an emergency response that included multiple fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances. Authorities have not released information on the number or condition of those injured beyond early scene treatment. Investigators will assess the property and the surrounding street as part of the inquiry into what caused the explosion.
The investigation and any measures to ensure safety in the neighbourhood are ongoing, and further details are expected as emergency services complete their on-site work and district officials review the scene.