A CHILD and three adults have been rushed to hospital after a huge “explosion” tore through a home in Newcastle.
Aerial footage shows the entire property in Violet Close has been reduced to rubble after a devastating fire broke out at around 12.45am.
A child and three adults were taken to hospital after four ambulance crews arrived at the scene in the Benwell and Elswick area.
The cause of the blast is not yet known.
Footage of the scene shows towering flames over a number of houses, with smoke rising into the air.
Aerial photographs showed multiple homes were completely destroyed by the fire, with houses reduced to a pile of blackened and smoking rubble.
Police have urged residents to avoid Violet Close as firefighters and gas engineers tackle the “large scale incident” and work on clearing debris.
Witness reports on social media claimed there was an “explosion” in the early hours of the morning, while a nearby resident claimed their “whole house shook” amid the blast.
A large emergency service presence remains in the area with ambulances and a police cordon in place.
Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding areas.
Locals were have been urged to keep their doors and windows closed if they see or smell smoke.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
“Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.
“Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle.
“Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice. Thank you.”
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (16 Oct).
“We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.
“We treated and conveyed four patients – three adults and one child – to hospital for further treatment.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.
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