One woman has died and a man has suffered life-threatening injuries as a house has been destroyed after a gas explosion in Birmingham.
"We’re very sad to confirm that a woman has been found dead at the scene of last night's explosion in #Kingstanding," West Midlands Fire Service said in a tweet. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected."
West Midlands Police said they were called just after 8.30pm on Sunday to the incident on Dulwich Road in Kingstanding.
One house has been destroyed and several others have been significantly damaged, as have nearby cars.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said one property had been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars had also been damaged.
“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries," West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
"After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.
"His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.
“Four further men have been assessed by ambulance crews for minor conditions but have been discharged at the scene."
Police thanked those who had "helped shocked and injured neighbours".
Footage on social media shows flames, damage and debris from a terraced red brick house.
Aerial shots shared on Twitter also show flames billowing into the sky.
Evacuations are taking place and people have been urged to avoid the area, with Dulwich Road and surrounding roads closed.
Emergency services said the fire had been caused by "gas", but the reason was not yet known.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Cadent Gas and the National Grid were all working to manage the incident.
Six fire crews, three ambulances, five paramedic officers and a National Inter-Agency Liaison officer are among the resources that have been sent to the scene.
West Midlands Police tweeted: "Thank you for all you kind words. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this.
"Emergency workers form all services and the energy companies are working really hard in very difficult circumstances."
Thank you for all you kind words. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Emergency workers form all services and the energy companies are working really hard in very difficult circumstances. Thanks to people who have helped shocked and injured neighbours.
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) June 26, 2022
West Midlands Ambulance Service tweeted: "We have sent three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, @wmcareteam @WMASHART and a NILO to the scene."
Ambulance staff continue to work at the scene of the explosion on Dulwich Road in Kingstanding. Member of the Hazardous Area Response Team are working with specialists from @WestMidsFire
— West Midlands Ambulance Service #HelpUsHelpYou (@OFFICIALWMAS) June 26, 2022
WMFS tweeted: "Six fire crews are in attendance at this incident involving an explosion on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding. Please avoid the area at this time."
In a statement on its website, WMFS added: "At 20.38 fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding.
"The explosion, the cause of which is unknown at this time, has destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.
"The number of casualties or injuries is not confirmed at this time
"West Midlands Police are managing evacuations in the area and we urge those local to the incident to follow the instructions of emergency service officers at the scene."
