Huge home explosion sees man combating for his life as two others injured

A ‘gas explosion’ has left three people injured, including one who is said to be fighting for his life, at a property in Lancashire. Emergency services responded to an incident on Wheatley Drive in Longridge shortly after 10.30am today (Sunday, September 1).

Eight fire engines are currently at the scene and people have been asked to avoid the area. Nearby residents have been evacuated.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: “At 10:31 on 01 September, eight fire engines from Preston, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Longridge, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Leyland, Hyndburn and other specialist appliances including Urban Search and Rescue units, attended a reported gas explosion on Wheatley Drive, Longridge.

“Crews are likely to remain in attendance for some hours. Please avoid the area.”

LancashireLive reporter Rachel Smith spoke to witnesses at the scene. She said neighbours heard a “gut-wrenching bang” which rocked the houses in nearby streets. The windows of neighbouring houses were also damaged in the blast. “One woman told me, ‘it was so loud I thought it had come from my own house,'” Smith reported.

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