A WOMAN in her 90s had to leave her home when a gas explosion caused serious damage to the kitchen.
Emergency teams were called to Nuttall Street, near Blackburn’s Ewood Park, after the blast caused part of the terraced house to become unstable.
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Urban search and rescue teams worked to stabilise the extension on Saturday afternoon.
It is understood the resident had just left the kitchen when a gas leak caused an explosion. As she turned around, she realised her back door and windows had been “blown out.”
Firefighters said she had been lucky not to suffer serious injuries.
Neighbours said she was now being “looked after” by family.
Blackburn Fire Station watch manager Rob Birtwistle said: “There was a gas explosion and it severely damaged the single-storey extension to the rear of the property to the extent that we have had to get the building inspector out as well as the search and rescue team to make sure it is safe.
“The woman was out of the house on our arrival and was with a neighbour. The paramedics went and checked her out.”
The explosion has left four inch gaps in the brickwork of the extension.
The firefighter added: “It has created serious structural damage.”
Neighbours said they were shocked to hear part of their neighbour’s home had been so badly damaged.
One said: “I cannot believe there has been a gas explosion. The woman who lives there has been very lucky not to be hurt.”
Another neighbour, who lives in Bolton Road, which backs onto Nuttall Street, said she hoped the elderly woman would recover quickly from the ordeal.
She said: “She is a really lovely woman.
“I was very upset to hear what happened to her home, but I am glad to hear she’s going to be alright.
“I just cannot believe what has happened.”
Insp Phil Hutchinson, from Lancashire Police, said it was likely the explosion was caused by “occupier error.”
He said: “There is quite a bit of structural damage to the rear extension and the windows and back door have been blown out.
“There is also damage to the gable end wall. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
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