Man dies, woman seriously injured after house explosion near Bedford “I heard the noise, I heard a really loud, really massive noise,” said a local resident.
“I can’t describe it. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
The neighbor, who was evacuated from her home after the incident, said that the “entire roof” of the affected house was “taken off” by the explosion.
She added: “What was left of the roof caught fire, I didn’t see the flames myself, when I came out it was more like smoke.
“We weren’t allowed to get close because it wasn’t safe.”
An emergency aid center for evacuees has been set up. In a statement, Superintendent Zara Brown of Bedfordshire Police revealed that “increased levels” of natural gas had been detected in the area and the cordon would remain in place as a precaution.
“The gas levels identified are believed to be natural gas from an underground source and not from a gas pipeline network,” he said.
“Safety is our first priority and so we are still advising people to avoid the Cleat Hill area while work at the scene continues.
“We also want to remind all drone owners that the area is currently a no-fly zone.
“We know the residents of nearby properties want to return home as soon as possible and we thank them for their continued support and patience.”
