A seven-year-old boy has tragically died after a massive ‘explosion’ ripped through a house in Newcastle, as police confirm six other people have been taken to hospital.Â
Firefighters, police and gas engineers rushed to the scene in the Benwell area of the city at around 12.45am in what has been described as a ‘large-scale incident’.
Aerial photos taken earlier today showed the harrowing extent of destruction on Violet Close, as six other people were rushed to hospital with ‘varying injuries’.Â
Sadly, Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams has now confirmed a seven-year-old boy has died.
It is currently unknown what caused the ‘explosion’ but police have confirmed an investigation is now underway.
People have been urged to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident as police confirmed a cordon is likely to be in place ‘for some time’.
A number of people have been evacuated from their homes and they are being supported by staff at Newcastle City Council.
Superintendent Darren Adams said: ‘It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.’
