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'Six hurt' in central London hotel gas explosion Hotel gas blast at Hyatt Regency in London sees 12 hurt
(35 minutes later)
About six people have been treated for injuries sustained in a suspected gas explosion at a central London hotel, police say. At least 12 people have been injured in a suspected gas explosion at a central London hotel, ambulance officials say.
The Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill Hotel in Portman Square was evacuated following the blast shortly before midnight. The Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, in Portman Square, was evacuated following the blast shortly before midnight.
Police said that the injured people were treated at the scene. London Ambulance Service said six of the injured were taken to hospital, including two with leg wounds.
Fire officers and gas engineers are ensuring the scene is safe so guests can be allowed back into the hotel.Fire officers and gas engineers are ensuring the scene is safe so guests can be allowed back into the hotel.
The other six people who sustained injuries were treated at the scene.
London Fire Brigade said the explosion happened at about 23:40 GMT in the hotel basement, causing part of the building to collapse.
'Pretty intense'
About 80 firefighters were at the scene, including appliances with specialist equipment to deal with collapsed buildings.
Dennis Luwer, who lives opposite the hotel, said a hole had been blown in the side of the building.
He said: "It's been pretty intense. We just came home and saw lots of people standing outside.
"The street has been blocked off. There is a big hole in the outer wall of the Hyatt. It's about two metres high and a metre wide.
"There's a metal garage door bulged out. We can see some windows at street level also blown out."
BBC journalist Richard Main, of BBC London 94.9, said it was understood the explosion had happened in the hotel's kitchens.
He said five of the injured were believed to be hotel staff, who were treated for relatively minor injuries including a suspected broken leg.