A 7-year-old boy is dead and a 5-year-old is in hospital after a devastating house explosion

The student was one of six rescued from the rubble of the house after the morning explosion

14:05, October 16, 2024Updated 14:06, October 16, 2024

Emergency services at the scene in Violet Close, Benwell, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne(Picture: ANNUALLY)

A seven-year-old schoolboy has been confirmed dead following the explosion of a large house in Newcastle. Today on Wednesday, two houses were destroyed in a powerful explosion in Benwell, Newcastle.

Six people were rescued and taken to hospital, but it was confirmed that the young boy died from his injuries. Shocking drone photos have captured the destruction left on a residential street adjacent to the River Tyne.

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The roof is missing and rubble has been piled up in front and behind several properties. Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Darren Adams confirmed the young boy died at the scene and many other people were evacuated from their homes.

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Chief Superintendent Adams said it was a “truly devastating result” and confirmed an investigation was ongoing. Assistant Fire Chief Lynsey McVay, of Tyne and Wear Fire Service, said six flats were “severely damaged, with two of the flats suffering the most damage from the explosion”.

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Emergency services were called to Violet Close in Benwell and Elswick just before 1am. Drone photos from above the street showed that at least one house appeared to be completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.

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