However, on arrival it was quickly established that all persons were accounted for, and remarkably, there were no serious injuries – those involved were left in the care of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust crews.
Due to the instability of the dangerous structure, a strict cordon was put into place, the gas and electricity supplies were isolated and the nearby properties were evacuated.
Fire crews and officers from Bude Police monitored the building closely whilst a structural engineer carried out checks. Once it was deemed that there was no further risk of danger, the fire crews left the scene shortly after midnight, and the incident was handed over to the police and gas safety engineers. Glenn Thorne, Wales & West Utilities Gas Emergency Service Manager for Bude said:“We were called to reports of an explosion at a property on Traly Close in Bude yesterday evening (20 January) and immediately sent a team of engineers to the scene.“On arrival we found that the property had been damaged and emergency services were in control of the scene. We worked with the emergency services to make the area safe and carried out all necessary gas safety checks.“The cause of the explosion is still being investigated, however, we do not believe it is related to the mains gas network."If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe."
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