Casualties reported after house destroyed in Birmingham explosion

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A house has been destroyed in Birmingham after an explosion, with reports of casualties, police have said.

West Midlands police said the number of casualties and the severity of their injuries has yet to be determined after the incident in the Kingstanding area.

The force said one house has been destroyed and other properties significantly affected, while cars have also been damaged.

All emergency services, including six fire crews, and utility companies are at the scene on Dulwich Road after police were called at 8:38pm.

The cause of the explosion has yet to be established.

Police said residents are being evacuated and people have been urged to avoid the area.

The force thanked those who had “helped shocked and injured neighbours”.
Footage on social media showed flames, damage and debris from a terraced red brick house. Aerial shots shared on Twitter also showed flames billowing into the sky.

The force said: “There are reports of casualties but the number and severity of their injuries is unknown at this time. Those evacuated will be told where to meet.

“People in the area must immediately follow the instructions of first responders.

“Dulwich Road and surrounding roads are closed and will be for a very long time. Please help us by avoiding the area.”

West Midlands ambulance service wrote on Twitter: “We are currently dealing with a significant incident in Dulwich Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.

“A large number of ambulance resources are at the scene along with @WestMidsFire and @WMPolice.

“The public are asked to keep away from the area to allow us to work.”

The service added that three ambulances, five paramedic officers, a trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and a hazardous area response team were among those who had been sent to the scene.

In a statement, West Midlands fire service said: “At 8.38pm fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.

“The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.

“The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time.

“We are working hard with colleagues from West Midlands police, West Midlands ambulance, Cadent Gas and National Grid to manage this incident.”