Ambulance, police and the fire service were called to reports of an explosion at a property on the Lower Braniel Road at 12:30pm on Wednesday.
Several fire appliances, police, the air ambulance and ambulance are at the scene.
Firefighters at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
The Belfast Telegraph understands a gas explosion happened inside the property shortly before 12:30pm
Two people have been taken to hospital after being treated at the scene.
At the property, smashed windows can be seen with roof tiles blown off during the incident.
Several local residents have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed the two people transferred for treatment were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
A NIAS spokesperson added: “NIAS has dispatched two emergency ambulances, one HART Team, one ambulance officer, one emergency planning officer and the charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the scene.”
A police spokesperson said: “Emergency Services are currently in attendance at a suspected gas explosion at a house on the Lower Braniel Road in east Belfast.
“The Lower Braniel Road has been closed in both directions and local diversions are in place.”
Emergency services at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were tasked to the incident at around 12.30pm.
Two appliances from Knock Fire Station and a hazmat unit for Whitla Fire Station were dispatched and remain at the scene.
They added “Firefighters are currently in attendance at an incident involving an explosion at a mid-terraced house on the Lower Braniel Road in Belfast.
“The incident is ongoing.”
Translink number 4 bus services in the area have also been disrupted.
The transport operator confirmed a re-route is in place for the 4e service. The bus will head out as normal to St Patrick’s Gilnahirk, taking a left into the carpark.
Services will then wait on Gilnahirk Road for their departure. On the way into Belfast the service will route via Braniel Estate, Whincroft Road, Knock Road and then Clarawood as normal.
In a post on social media, local east Belfast MP and DUP leader Gavin Robinson wrote: “Lower Braniel Road is currently closed in both directions, following a gas explosion at a home.
“My thoughts are with anyone who may be affected by this incident.”
Firefighters at the scene of a gas explosion in east Belfast on January 7th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Kevin Scott at the scene:
Firefighters in breathing apparatus isolated the gas supply on arrival.
A short time later, the Air Ambulance landed at a nearby school, where the doctors onboard were picked up by police and brought to the scene.
Two people were treated at the roadside before being taken from the scene by ambulance.
Gas engineers and the Housing Executive are at the property here as of 1:15pm.
Firefighters have began to wrap down the bulk of their operation, as they are removing loose roof tiles from the property.
At around 1:45pm emergency crews at the scene have confirmed to me that the house has been made safe for engineers to go inside, they tell me that the gas supplies for properties joining the houses were turned off at the box within minutes of the incident occuring.