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Castleford explosion: Copper cabling theft linked to incident | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A theft of copper cabling may have caused a gas explosion which wrecked a row of houses in Castleford, a power company has said. | |
About 30 people were forced to leave their homes on Rhodes Street, Hightown, in the early hours of Friday. | |
A full investigation into the cause of the blast is under way. Two fire officers suffered minor injuries. | |
The incident comes days after a boy died during a suspected metal theft from a sub-station in Leeds. | |
CE Electric has issued a strong warning on the danger of metal thefts. | |
It said: "Copper theft continues to blight our network and, despite the recent fatality in Leeds, these incidents continue to occur at an average of four every day. | |
"We cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to tamper with electrical equipment on the network. | |
"We are pleading with these thieves to think about the consequences of their actions and how much they are personally risking for such a small return." | |
Homes evacuated | |
Initially the West Yorkshire Fire Service was met with a string of small fires after receiving a call shortly before 0130 BST. | |
Residents were moved from their homes and ladders were used to remove two people from upstairs bedrooms. | |
Shortly afterwards an explosion tore through the row of terraced homes. | |
One property was almost demolished, and five others suffered extensive fire and blast damage, the fire service said. | |
Station manager Mark Allen said: "The firefighters did a fantastic job of rescuing residents so quickly, and it was their skill and training which told them they should withdraw." | |
Electricity and gas supplies were cut off in nearby homes. Engineers from CE Electric and Northern Gas Networks are working to restore supplies. | |
Gas supplies in the surrounding area are unaffected and the area is safe, Northern Gas Networks said. | |
'Lucky escape' | 'Lucky escape' |
Local resident Darren Taylor said people had a lucky escape: "It felt like I'd jumped off the floor a few inches. | |
"It was amazing how they all got out safely and no-one got hurt. It could have been a lot worse." | "It was amazing how they all got out safely and no-one got hurt. It could have been a lot worse." |
Wakefield Council is working with emergency services and helping those removed from their homes. | |
One family is being looked after by social services, while a further 36 people are staying with relatives and friends. | One family is being looked after by social services, while a further 36 people are staying with relatives and friends. |
Leader of the council, Councillor Peter Box, said: "The council responded in line with our emergency plans and we are doing all are can to support people affected and to make sure the buildings are made safe." | Leader of the council, Councillor Peter Box, said: "The council responded in line with our emergency plans and we are doing all are can to support people affected and to make sure the buildings are made safe." |