A suspected gas explosion on Western Road in Southall has left a two-storey building with a shop and flat above significantly damaged. The incident happened yesterday (1 May) afternoon, prompting the response of six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters from Southall, Feltham and surrounding fire stations.
Part of the first floor and loft space was damaged by a subsequent fire that followed the explosion. Two men and a woman who were inside the building at the time of the explosion managed to escape before the firefighters arrived. They were taken to the hospital by the London Ambulance Service crews. There have been no reports of any other injuries.
Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and road closures were put in place. The London Fire Brigade’s Control Room received eight calls about the incident with the first coming in at 1:29pm. The incident was brought under control by 4:05pm.
Station Commander Simon Horn, who was at the scene, said: “Crews were joined by our Urban Search and Rescue team using specialist equipment to carry out a systematic search of the property. They were able to confirm that everyone has been accounted for.
“Initial crews worked quickly in a challenging situation to extinguish the fire. However, a cordon of around 50 metres will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the area.”
The cause of the explosion is still unknown and under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police.
