Four people suffered injuries in the Lancaster Road explosionNews
Shannon Brown Reporter
12:21, 29 Apr 2025
Four people who were injured in a gas explosion are ‘very lucky’ to be alive, a fire station manager has said.
The explosion and following fire severely damaged a home in Lancaster Road and caused the evacuation of 40 people from their neighbouring properties.
A cordon is in place at the site of the gas explosion and around 40 surrounding properties have been evacuated while emergency services are at the scene.
The cause of the explosion is currently unknown and a spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said a full investigation will be undertaken.
Speaking to members of the press in Lancaster Road, fire station manager Chris Bengey said those involved in the explosion are “very lucky” to have survived.
Visit our live blog for more updates.
“Reports of an explosion – and it was an explosion in the building – there were two people in that property at the time, so we think they were very lucky,” Chris said. “They were talking to us, explaining what had happened and are now seeking further medical attention at the hospital.”
He went on to say that the neighbouring properties were evacuated “for public safety,” while the gas and electric supply to some homes was also isolated.
“We’re working with the utility companies, police and the ambulance to get everyone back in their homes as quickly as we can,” Chris said.
The explosion was reported at around 6.50am on Tuesday, April 29. At its peak, nine fire engines attended the subsequent fire, with police officers, paramedics, Wales and West Utilities engineers and a Hazardous Area Response Team also in attendance.
A spokesperson for Wales and West Utilities said the cause of the explosion is currently unknown. Emergency service manager for Bristol, Austen Shopland said: “We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Lancaster Road area of Yate in Bristol this morning (29 April) and immediately sent a team of engineers.
“On arrival, we found that there had been severe structural damage to the property and the emergency services were in control of the scene. We are now working with them to make the area safe – as we do on all incidents of this nature.
“We do not yet know the cause of the explosion, and our engineers will continue to support the emergency services as they carry out their work.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers are supporting Avon Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a suspected gas explosion in Lancaster Road, in Yate, at 6.50am this morning (Tuesday 29 April).
“Three people have been taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing. A fourth person has sustained minor injuries and was seen to by the ambulance service
“A cordon has been put in place and a number of properties have been evacuated. A refuge centre has been set up at a nearby public house.
“Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area and keep the roads clear while emergency services are at the scene.”