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Man hurt as roof blown from flats Man hurt as roof blown from flats
(about 2 hours 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 80 people were evacuated and a man in his 30s was treated at the scene for burn injuries and smoke inhalation. About 80 people were led to safety and a man in his 30s was treated at the scene for burns and smoke inhalation.
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."
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said firefighters had put out the fire but some 30 officers remained at the scene.A London Fire Brigade spokesman said firefighters had put out the fire but some 30 officers remained at the scene.
"A four-roomed flat on the fourth floor has been completely gutted by fire," he added."A four-roomed flat on the fourth floor has been completely gutted by fire," he added.
'Heavy smell''Heavy smell'
The block of flats is managed by a housing association, according to a statement from Harrow Council.The block of flats is managed by a housing association, according to a statement from Harrow Council.
The people who were evacuated from the area have been moved to a community centre in Scott Crescent, the council said.The people who were evacuated from the area have been moved to a community centre in Scott Crescent, the council said.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We sent two ambulances, a fast response car, three hazardous area response team units and a duty manager.A London Ambulance Service spokesman 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.""Our crews are treating a male patient for burns."
Eyewitness Mr Wiggins said: "I could see black smoke and flames leaping into the sky."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".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.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.