This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/devon/7176369.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Girl, nine, dies in house blast Girl, nine, dies in house blast
(29 minutes later)
A nine-year-old girl has died and four other people were injured in a gas explosion at a house in Devon.A nine-year-old girl has died and four other people were injured in a gas explosion at a house in Devon.
The incident took place at about 0750 GMT at an end terrace house in Bulteel Gardens, Southway, Plymouth.The incident took place at about 0750 GMT at an end terrace house in Bulteel Gardens, Southway, Plymouth.
The girl suffered serious injuries when a wall blew out as she walked past. A woman with her was treated for minor injuries at Derriford Hospital. The girl suffered serious injuries when a wall blew out as she and her mother walked past. She died in hospital. Her mother suffered minor injuries.
Two elderly people, believed to be the house's occupants, were injured. A male passer-by was also hurt.Two elderly people, believed to be the house's occupants, were injured. A male passer-by was also hurt.
Four fire engines were called to the scene, including units from the Crownhill, Camels Head and Greenbank areas, plus an incident command vehicle.Four fire engines were called to the scene, including units from the Crownhill, Camels Head and Greenbank areas, plus an incident command vehicle.
The flames were getting higher and then I heard all the sirens going off Clare Rogers Four ambulance crews also attended, and paramedics treated the elderly couple for minor injuries and the effects of breathing in smoke.The flames were getting higher and then I heard all the sirens going off Clare Rogers Four ambulance crews also attended, and paramedics treated the elderly couple for minor injuries and the effects of breathing in smoke.
The youngster is thought to have been on her way to school when the wall blew out, trapping her under the rubble. The youngster is thought to have been on her way to school with her mother when the wall blew out, trapping her under the rubble.
The woman injured by the wall was treated for minor injuries and shock. She was taken to Derriford Hospital where she later died as a result of her injuries. Her mother was treated for minor injuries and shock.
The fourth casualty, a man who was passing by, is understood to have been affected by smoke inhalation. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.The fourth casualty, a man who was passing by, is understood to have been affected by smoke inhalation. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Damage 'pattern'Damage 'pattern'
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service group commander Malcolm Carmichael said the house had been "almost completely destroyed" by the blast and that it showed how dangerous a gas leak could be.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service group commander Malcolm Carmichael said the house had been "almost completely destroyed" by the blast and that it showed how dangerous a gas leak could be.
He said: "I've been involved in gas explosions before and, invariably, they do cause a high amount of damage to the property. This follows that same pattern."He said: "I've been involved in gas explosions before and, invariably, they do cause a high amount of damage to the property. This follows that same pattern."
The South West Ambulance Service said the building and the immediate surrounding area were thought to be unsafe.The South West Ambulance Service said the building and the immediate surrounding area were thought to be unsafe.
The three adjoining properties were unoccupied at the time of the blast. Three adjoining properties were unoccupied at the time of the blast.
Police said said gas detection equipment was at the scene and the area was under constant monitoring. Gas and electrical engineers were called, and police said gas detection equipment was at the scene and the area was under constant monitoring.
Fire investigators are also working with police scene of crime officers at the property.
Neighbours reported hearing a dull thud and then seeing a fireball and flames leaping into the sky.Neighbours reported hearing a dull thud and then seeing a fireball and flames leaping into the sky.
Rubble was strewn up to 25ft (7.6m) away from the property. Rubble was strewn up to 15m (50ft) away from the property.
Clare Rogers, who runs the nearby Falstaff Pub, said: "All I know was that there was a lot of smoke coming out the back of the bungalows, then it started getting worse and worse.Clare Rogers, who runs the nearby Falstaff Pub, said: "All I know was that there was a lot of smoke coming out the back of the bungalows, then it started getting worse and worse.
"The flames were getting higher and then I heard all the sirens going off.""The flames were getting higher and then I heard all the sirens going off."
Leon Hawking and Jeanette Langdon, who live in the house next door, were called home from work by relatives who had seen what happened.Leon Hawking and Jeanette Langdon, who live in the house next door, were called home from work by relatives who had seen what happened.
Leon Hawking said: "We've had a look, and the next door neighbours' is gone, basically. It's all collapsed in.Leon Hawking said: "We've had a look, and the next door neighbours' is gone, basically. It's all collapsed in.
"You can tell ours is gone as well. We're not allowed back.""You can tell ours is gone as well. We're not allowed back."
Police said they were told that people could smell gas in the area prior to the explosion.Police said they were told that people could smell gas in the area prior to the explosion.
Nearby houses have been evacuated, and gas and electrical engineers have been informed. A dozen nearby properties were evacuated, but police said they anticipated people would be allowed to return later in the day.
Local residents have been advised to keep doors and to keep windows closed. Other local residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Plymouth City Council said the house was one of their properties and that it had officers at the scene trying to assist the emergency services. Plymouth City Council said the house was one of its properties and that it had officers at the scene trying to assist the emergency services.
The council said that the property had had a maintenance check in June and no problems were found.The council said that the property had had a maintenance check in June and no problems were found.
Wales and West Utilities said that an investigation into the explosion's cause was under way with emergency services and the Health & Safety Executive.
It added that it received no reports of the smell of gas prior to the explosion.