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Gas explosion at block of flats Gas blast blows roof from flats
(20 minutes later)
A man was seriously injured in a suspected gas blast that blew part of the roof off a block of flats.A man was seriously injured in a suspected gas blast that blew part of the roof off a block of flats.
Emergency crews were called to Drinkwater Road in South Harrow, north-west London, at about 0800 GMT.Emergency crews were called to Drinkwater Road in South Harrow, north-west London, at about 0800 GMT.
About 40 people were evacuated from the block and a man in his 30s was being treated at the scene for burn injuries. About 80 people were evacuated from the block and a man in his 30s was being treated at the scene for burn injuries.
Eyewitness Michael Wiggins said: "There was a massive explosion, like a sonic boom and I... saw white pieces falling from the sky like snow." Eyewitness Michael Wiggins said: "There was a massive explosion, like a sonic boom, and I... saw white pieces falling from the sky like snow."
Up to 35 firefighters are at the scene. 'Heavy smell'
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said that no fatalities had been reported. Up to 30 firefighters are at the scene.
He said: "We sent two ambulances, a fast response car, three hazardous area response team units and a duty manager. Our crews are treating a male patient for burns." The block of flats is managed by a housing association, according to a statement from Harrow Council.
A LFB spokesman said: "Early reports suggest there has been serious structural damage to the building." The people who were evacuated from the area have been moved to a community centre in Scott Crescent, the council said.
Mr Wiggins said: "I could see black smoke and flames leaping into the sky." A London Ambulance Service spokesman said that no-one was believed to have been killed in the explosion.
He added that the roof seems to have "blown off" from building and it looks "very badly charred". He said: "We sent two ambulances, a fast response car, three hazardous area response team units and a duty manager.
The impact of the blast has also exposed the timber in the adjacent building, he said. "Our crews are treating a male patient for burns."
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Early reports suggest there has been serious structural damage to the building."
Eyewitness Mr Wiggins said: "I could see black smoke and flames leaping into the sky."
He added that the roof seemed to have "blown off" from building and it looked "very badly charred".
The impact of the blast has also exposed the timber in an adjacent building, he said.
Another local resident, Behnaaz Shah, said: "The building opposite looked like it had exploded and there was fire coming out of it."Another local resident, Behnaaz Shah, said: "The building opposite looked like it had exploded and there was fire coming out of it."
A woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a bang and my house shook... When I opened my door there was a horrible heavy smell in the air, like tar, and smoke."A woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a bang and my house shook... When I opened my door there was a horrible heavy smell in the air, like tar, and smoke."
A cordon has been put in place around Drinkwater Road.A cordon has been put in place around Drinkwater Road.