A 31-year-old man is critically ill in hospital following a suspected gas explosion at a home in Evesham, Worcestershire, on Tuesday.
A further two people, a man and a woman, were also injured in the incident and a man from a neighbouring property was taken to hospital.
The injuries sustained by those three people are not believed to be life-threatening and they have since been released from hospital.
The building suffered extensive damage and, to ensure the safety of the public, 10 neighbouring homes were evacuated.
Six crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were sent to the scene and the gas supply had to be temporarily cut off from 35 homes.
Supt Nigel Webster, who led the police response, said: “This was, of course, a devastating incident and our thoughts are with those injured, their families and the local residents.
“The community pulled together to support each other and we’d particularly like to thank the local public house, which kindly gave shelter to those that had been displaced from their homes.”
HWFRS crews left the scene on Wednesday while the police remained there.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adrian Elliott described it as a ‘significant incident’, adding it was grateful for the support it had received from the local community and emergency service colleagues.
“Our thoughts are with the people injured and their families, and with all those local residents who have been affected.”
An investigation into the cause is being carried out and Hemmingway, the cul-de-sac where the explosion happened, remained closed on Wednesday and was due to still be shut yesterday.
